A Federal High Court in Lagos has refused bail to businessman Afolabi Michael Kazeem, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two others accused of conspiring to export 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom.
Justice Musa Kakaki dismissed the bail applications of Kazeem, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arraigned the three on a second amended charge containing 22 counts of alleged conspiracy, cocaine trafficking and money laundering. They pleaded not guilty.
Their lawyers, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, SAN, Uche Okoronkwo and Chief Benson Ndakara, asked the court to grant bail. Counsel to the NDLEA, Abu Ibrahim, opposed the applications.
In his ruling, Justice Kakaki said he would not exercise his discretion in favour of the defendants. He cited the gravity of the alleged offences, the severity of the punishment prescribed upon conviction, and the likelihood that the defendants might abscond if released. He also noted the prevalence of hard drug trafficking and the large quantity of narcotics allegedly destined for an international market.
The judge dismissed the applications, ordered an accelerated hearing, and directed that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending determination of the case. He adjourned the matter to 2, 3, 4 and 5 November for trial.
Kazeem, also known as Yemi Ejide and Kee Cee Luxury, is accused of conspiring with Sule and Patriarch, and with Atandare Oladipupo Oluwarotimi and Latifat Yusuf, whom the NDLEA said were arrested in London in connection with the case. Count one alleges conspiracy contrary to Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Other counts allege that Sule procured Patriarch to facilitate the export, and that Kazeem procured a member of staff at BOT Express Logistics on Lagos Island to process the consignments. Kazeem is also accused of unlawfully possessing the cocaine in preparation for its export.
The NDLEA further alleges that Kazeem paid N13.2 million from a Mallamawa Ventures Zenith Bank account to BOT Express Logistics as consideration for the shipment.
The remaining counts largely concern alleged money laundering. The agency claims that Kazeem moved several billions of naira through various companies and personal accounts, including Mallamawa Ventures, Fateey Man Multi-Purpose Nigeria Limited, Patonifa Limited, Ade-Lak Resources, Holmestas Global Services Limited and La Capital Enterprises. It alleges that some of the funds were used to acquire motor vehicles and landed property in an attempt to conceal their illicit origin. He is also accused of failing to declare his assets to the NDLEA as required by law.
Kazeem, who presented himself online as a luxury goods dealer and lifestyle influencer, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on 13 August 2026 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to leave the country on a business class flight to Paris. The arrest followed the interception of the consignment, which the agency valued at about N39 billion.
The NDLEA said a subsequent search of Kazeem and his residence on Banana Island led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currencies and jewellery believed to be proceeds of illicit activity.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution is expected to present its evidence when the trial opens in November.
By A.Ikechukwu
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