The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, alongside two others, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, before the Federal High Court in Lagos. They face a 22-count charge of alleged cocaine trafficking, illegal export of narcotics, and money laundering. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
According to the prosecution, the trio allegedly conspired to export 184.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in five consignments through a Lagos-based courier logistics firm to London. The consignments were shipped under the name “Yemi Ejide” with specific airway bill numbers. The NDLEA alleged that Boniface procured Ikechukwu to facilitate the export, while Afolabi enlisted a staff member of BOT Express Logistics to process the consignments.
The NDLEA also alleged that Afolabi was involved in the unlawful possession of the cocaine prior to the attempted export. Furthermore, he was accused of making a ₦13.2 million payment from a Mallamawa Ventures account to BOT Express Logistics as consideration for the shipment. This payment was part of the evidence used to link Afolabi to the alleged illicit trade.
In addition to the drug-related counts, the NDLEA filed multiple counts of alleged money laundering against Afolabi. The agency claimed that he channelled large sums of money through several companies and personal accounts to acquire vehicles and landed properties, allegedly to conceal the illicit origin of the proceeds. He was also accused of failing to declare his assets to the agency as required by law.
After the defendants entered their pleas, the prosecution counsel urged the court to remand them in a Correctional Facility pending determination of the charge and grant an accelerated trial, citing the gravity of the offences. However, the defendants' counsel moved for their bail applications, which were opposed by the NDLEA prosecutor.
The court ordered that the defendants be remanded in the NDLEA facility and adjourned the case to October 2, 2026, for a ruling on their bail applications. The NDLEA alleged that Afolabi was arrested on August 13, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to Paris. His arrest followed the interception of the 184.5kg cocaine consignment.
The NDLEA estimated that the street value of the intercepted cocaine consignment was about ₦39 billion. A search conducted on Afolabi and at his Banana Island residence led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currency, and jewellery believed to be proceeds of the alleged illicit trade. The case will continue on October 2, 2026.
Key points
- The NDLEA charged KC Luxury and two others with cocaine trafficking and money laundering.
- The defendants allegedly conspired to export 184.5 kilograms of cocaine to London.
- The NDLEA estimated the street value of the intercepted cocaine at ₦39 billion.
