Nigerian social media influencer Afolabi Kazeem Micheal, known online as “KC Luxury,” has been arrested by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after authorities seized cocaine worth nearly $28 million allegedly destined for the United Kingdom.

The 49-year-old influencer, who has more than 700,000 Instagram followers and presents himself online as a businessman involved in gold and luxury goods, was detained at Lagos’s Murtala Mohammed International Airport while attempting to board a business-class flight to Paris.

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency alleges that Micheal was an “arrowhead” in an international drug trafficking network moving cocaine from South America through Nigeria to Europe and Asia. Micheal has not publicly commented on the allegations and has not been charged in court.

NDLEA seizes 184.5kg of cocaine

The investigation began after NDLEA operatives seized 184.5kg of cocaine concealed in brown boxes at a courier facility in Lagos on August 3.

According to the agency, the shipment was being prepared for export by an international trafficking network that had allegedly used Nigeria as a transit hub for years to move cocaine to the UK, other European markets and Asia. Authorities estimate the seized cocaine was worth nearly $28 million in its intended destination market.

The seizure subsequently led investigators to Micheal, whom the NDLEA alleges was involved in coordinating the network’s activities in Nigeria.

‘KC Luxury’ arrested at Lagos airport

Micheal was arrested 10 days after the cocaine seizure as he attempted to leave Nigeria for Paris.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Buba Marwa said the agency acted on intelligence indicating that Micheal was preparing to flee the country. According to Marwa, operatives intercepted the influencer at the boarding gate before he could leave Nigeria.

At the time of his arrest, Micheal was carrying more than $12,840 in cash across euros, pounds and naira, alongside expensive jewellery that the NDLEA said was consistent with proceeds from alleged illicit activities. The agency is investigating his alleged role in the wider trafficking network.

Logistics worker also detained

A second suspect, 33-year-old Lawal Mujab Kehinde, was also detained in connection with the investigation.

The NDLEA alleges that Kehinde worked for a logistics company used to transport the cocaine and helped package the drugs for export. Authorities further allege that he was paid in cash for his role in the operation.

Kehinde has not publicly commented on the allegations and, according to the information provided, has not been charged in court.

International investigation expands

The NDLEA said the investigation has extended beyond Nigeria, with other suspected members of the trafficking network allegedly arrested in the United Kingdom by law enforcement authorities.

The development highlights the cross-border nature of the investigation, with Nigerian authorities working alongside international counterparts to trace the network and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the movement of cocaine.

The NDLEA has vowed to continue pursuing suspects connected to the network, including those who attempt to leave Nigeria.

Marwa said the arrests demonstrated the potential of international cooperation in disrupting drug trafficking networks and warned other suspects that authorities would continue pursuing them.

The allegations against Micheal and Kehinde remain unproven unless established in court, and both suspects are entitled to due process as the investigation continues.