NDLEA Lauded by South Korea for Arrest of Notorious Drug Baron, Faces Extradition Request
…Marwa Affirms Nigeria’s Global Commitment to Drug War, Appreciates Korean Government’s Support
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of the Republic of Korea has applauded Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its professionalism and commitment following the arrest of a high-profile fugitive, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff—a 59-year-old drug baron who had evaded justice for nearly two decades.
Ogbonnaya, whose illicit activities had long plagued South Korean authorities, was captured on Wednesday, 12th February 2025 by NDLEA operatives at his hideout located at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.
His arrest marked the end of a 17-year manhunt and a major breakthrough in global narcotics enforcement.
Having served a one-year prison term in South Korea in 2007 for drug offences before being deported to Nigeria in 2008, Ogbonnaya continued to coordinate the shipment of drugs valued in billions of naira across international borders.
His operations, which reportedly targeted South Korea among other countries, had earned him a red notice from INTERPOL and drew international law enforcement attention.
In recognition of NDLEA’s pivotal role, a two-man delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service – comprising Messrs Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok – visited the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) in Abuja on Wednesday, 16th April 2025.
The visit was to personally deliver a letter of appreciation from the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.
In the letter, Cho stated, “Kevin Jeff was responsible for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics into the Republic of Korea, and the NIS had been tracking him for years. I am truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out the first special cooperation, enabling us to bring him to justice. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable cooperation, those long-standing efforts might have been in vain.”
He continued, “Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for the NDLEA’s exemplary service in this cooperation. Building on this significant achievement in our joint efforts against drug-related crimes, I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.”
The Korean delegation also presented a formal request for the extradition of Ogbonnaya to South Korea to face pending charges.
Responding to the commendation and request, Brig Gen Marwa expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the global fight against illicit drugs.
“We’re delighted to partner with you and be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism,” Marwa said. “We want to give the assurance that at any time, you can count on us to work together with you towards a drug-free world.”
He further expressed gratitude to the Korean government for the recent donation of operational equipment to NDLEA, acknowledging that the tools “will be of tremendous help to us as we continue to execute our job of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.”
While assuring the delegation of Nigeria’s readiness to cooperate on international legal matters, Marwa noted that the extradition request would be thoroughly reviewed in accordance with Nigerian laws and existing bilateral agreements between both nations.
He also hinted at a broader vision for the growing relationship between the two agencies, expressing hope that the partnership would include capacity-building opportunities, such as the training of NDLEA officers at Korean intelligence institutions.
This development further highlights Nigeria’s vital role in international narcotics control efforts and underscores the effectiveness of the NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership.
