A Nigerian social media influencer has been arrested after authorities seized cocaine worth nearly $28m allegedly destined for the United Kingdom. Afolabi Kazeem Micheal, popularly known as KC Luxury, was detained by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Lagos at Murtala Mohammed International Airport while preparing to board a business-class flight to Paris, according to the NDLEA. The 49-year-old, who has about 700,000 Instagram followers and presents himself online as a businessman involved in gold and luxury goods, was taken into custody during the operation.
NDLEA alleges influencer was linked to drug network
The NDLEA alleged that Micheal was the Nigerian “arrowhead” of an international network trafficking cocaine from South America through Nigeria to Europe and Asia, saying 184.5kg of cocaine was seized at a courier facility in Lagos on Monday, August 3. The agency said the drugs, concealed in brown boxes and prepared for export, were being moved through Nigeria as a transit point for distribution to the UK, other European countries and Asia, and that Micheal was arrested 10 days after the seizure while attempting to leave for France.
Influencer arrested with cash and jewellery
The NDLEA said Micheal was found with more than $12,840 in euros, pounds and naira at the time of his arrest, along with expensive jewellery it described as consistent with proceeds allegedly linked to illicit activities. He has not publicly commented on the allegations and has not been charged in court, according to the report.
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Second suspect detained over cocaine shipment
The NDLEA also arrested Lawal Mujab Kehinde, a 33-year-old logistics company staff member allegedly connected to the shipment, accusing him of packaging cocaine for export and receiving cash payments for his role. He has also not commented on the allegations and has not been charged in court, while the agency said other suspected members of the trafficking network had been arrested by law enforcement agencies in the UK.
NDLEA vows to pursue other suspects
NDLEA chairman General Buba Marwa said the arrests demonstrated the importance of cooperation between international law enforcement agencies and vowed that the agency would continue pursuing other suspected members of the network as investigations remain ongoing to identify and apprehend additional individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking operation. The BBC said it had contacted UK authorities for comment, as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through the country.
