The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday arraigned Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cocaine trafficking and money laundering offences.

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The trio were brought before Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful export of narcotics and money laundering. The NDLEA alleged that the defendants conspired between July 28 and August 1, 2026, to export 184.5kg of cocaine concealed in five consignments through a Lagos-based courier company to London, United Kingdom.

According to the charge sheet, the consignments were shipped under the name Yemi Ejide and carried different airway bill numbers. The agency alleged that Afolabi and the other defendants worked with two other suspects, identified as Atandare Oladipupo Oluwarotimi and Latifat Yusuf, who had allegedly been arrested in London in connection with the case.

The NDLEA further alleged that Afolabi procured a staff member of BOT Express Logistics to facilitate the shipment, while Boniface allegedly recruited Ikechukwu to assist with the export. The agency also accused Afolabi of paying ₦13.2 million from a Mallamawa Ventures Zenith Bank account to BOT Express Logistics in connection with the shipment.

The charge also contains 16 counts relating to alleged money laundering, with the NDLEA accusing Afolabi of moving several billions of naira through various companies and personal accounts. The agency alleged that proceeds of the suspected illicit trade were used to acquire vehicles and landed properties and that he failed to declare his assets as required by law.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. NDLEA prosecutor Abu Ibrahim opposed their bail applications and asked the court to remand them, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Justice Faji subsequently ordered the defendants to remain in NDLEA custody and adjourned the case until October 4, 2026, for ruling on their bail applications.

Afolabi was arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to travel to Paris after the interception of the cocaine consignment. The agency said the 184.5kg shipment was worth about ₦39 billion.

The NDLEA also alleged that a subsequent search of Afolabi and his Banana Island residence led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currency and jewellery suspected to be proceeds of illicit activities. The allegations have not been determined by the court, and the defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.