KC Luxury’s ₦39bn Cocaine Case: Lawyer Challenges NDLEA Property Order
KC Luxury’s ₦39bn Cocaine Case Takes New Twist as Lawyer Challenges NDLEA Over Seized Properties, Raises Health Concerns
The ongoing alleged ₦39 billion cocaine trafficking case involving Lagos businessman and social media influencer Afolabi Michael Kazeem, popularly known as KC Luxury, has taken a dramatic turn following a legal challenge against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the preservation of his properties. The businessman, through his legal team, is questioning the legality of the court order affecting his assets, insisting that his constitutional right to fair hearing was violated.
At the Federal High Court in Lagos, Kazeem’s counsel, Chief Emefo Etudo, challenged the interim preservation order granted on September 25, 2026, arguing that his client was not given an opportunity to defend his ownership of the affected properties before the order was issued. The defence maintained that the action violated Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution and urged the court to set aside the order, strike out the proceedings for lack of jurisdiction and direct the release of the properties.
The controversy deepened as the defence raised concerns over Kazeem’s deteriorating health while in custody. His lawyers disclosed that the businessman was battling respiratory complications, including chronic asthma, breathing difficulties and recurring chest pain. A medical report presented before the court reportedly recommended specialist medical attention. The defence also alleged that arrangements were being made to dispose of some of his properties despite the pending criminal proceedings, an allegation yet to be established by the court.
Meanwhile, Kazeem and two other defendants, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, are facing a 22-count charge involving alleged conspiracy, cocaine trafficking and money laundering. The NDLEA accused the defendants of involvement in an attempt to export approximately 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom through a Lagos-based logistics company. The prosecution further alleged that proceeds from the suspected illegal operation were connected to the acquisition of luxury vehicles and landed properties. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The presiding judge, Justice Musa Kakaki, indicated that the jurisdictional objection would be considered alongside other pending applications and adjourned the matter until December 3, 2026. Beyond the allegations of international drug trafficking, the case has raised important questions about constitutional rights, asset preservation and due process in criminal investigations. As the legal battle continues, the court is expected to determine the validity of the disputed property order, while the defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The presiding judge, Justice Musa Kakaki, indicated that the jurisdictional objection would be considered alongside other pending applications and adjourned the matter until December 3, 2026. Beyond the allegations of international drug trafficking, the case has raised important questions about constitutional rights, asset preservation and due process in criminal investigations. As the legal battle continues, the court is expected to determine the validity of the disputed property order, while the defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.