The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two other accomplices, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, before Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji of the Federal High Court, Lagos. They face a 22-count charge related to cocaine trafficking, illegal export of narcotics, and money laundering. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts when the charges were read to them.
According to the NDLEA, the defendants conspired between July 28 and August 1, 2026, to export 184.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in five consignments through a Lagos-based courier logistics firm to London, United Kingdom. The consignments had Airway Bill Numbers 2079998314, 8224082370, 2079973571, 7181131742, and 2211893902, under the shipper's name Yemi Ejide. Two other individuals, Atandare Oladipupo Oluwarotimi and Latifat Yusuf, were arrested in London in connection with the same case.
The charge sheet details how Boniface procured Ikechukwu to facilitate the export, while Afolabi is accused of procuring a staff member of BOT Express Logistics on Lagos Island to process the illicit consignment and of unlawfully possessing the cocaine ahead of export. Afolabi is also linked to the payment of ₦13.2 million from a Mallamawa Ventures Zenith Bank account to BOT Express Logistics as consideration for the shipment.
The NDLEA also alleges that Afolabi funneled several billions of naira through a web of companies and personal accounts, including Mallamawa Ventures, Fateey Man Multi-Purpose Nig. Ltd, Patonifa Ltd, Ade-Lak Resources, Holmestas Global Services Limited, and La Capital Enterprises. The funds were used to acquire motor vehicles and various landed properties, in a bid to conceal the true origin of the proceeds of the illicit trade.
Afolabi, who paraded himself online as a luxury goods dealer and lifestyle influencer, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on the night of August 13, 2026, as he attempted to flee Nigeria on a business-class flight to Paris from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. A subsequent search on him and his Banana Island apartment led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currency, and jewelry believed to be proceeds of the illicit trade.
The NDLEA prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, opposed the defendants' bail application, citing the gravity of the offenses. Justice Faji ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Agency's facility and adjourned the matter till October 4, 2026, for ruling on the application. The 184.5kg cocaine consignment is estimated to be worth about ₦39 billion.
The case highlights the efforts of the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. The Agency's operations have led to the arrest of several individuals involved in the illicit trade, including Afolabi and his accomplices. The trial is expected to continue on October 4, 2026.
Key points
- The defendants face a 22-count charge related to cocaine trafficking, illegal export of narcotics, and money laundering.
- The 184.5kg cocaine consignment is estimated to be worth about ₦39 billion.
- The defendants were remanded in the NDLEA's facility pending trial.
