The Federal High Court in Lagos has denied bail to businessman Afolabi Michael Kazeem, popularly known as KC Luxury, and two others facing trial over an alleged 184.5-kilogramme cocaine shipment to the United Kingdom.
Justice Musa Kakaki dismissed the applications on Friday, October 2, 2026, citing the gravity of the alleged offences, the penalties prescribed for them and the possibility of the defendants evading trial if released.
Kazeem, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch are facing a 22-count charge filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) bordering on alleged conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, unlawful export of narcotics and money laundering.
They pleaded not guilty at their September 25 arraignment.
Justice Kakaki also considered the quantity of cocaine allegedly involved and the prosecution’s claim that it was intended for an international market.
The court ordered an accelerated hearing, remanded the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and fixed November 2, 3, 4 and 5 for trial.
The case stems from five consignments allegedly prepared for shipment from Lagos to London between July 28 and August 1. The consignments, bearing five Airway Bill numbers, allegedly contained the 184.5kg of cocaine.
The NDLEA alleges that Kazeem, Sule and Patriarch acted with Atandare Oladipupo Oluwarotimi and Latifat Yusuf, whom it said were arrested in London over the alleged operation.
READ ALSO:Â KC Luxury: Court Adjourns Detention Challenge To September 21
Prosecutors further allege that the consignments were processed through BOT Express Logistics in Lagos Island, with Kazeem allegedly facilitating the process through a company employee.
One count alleges that N13.2 million was transferred from a Mallamawa Ventures Zenith Bank account to BOT Express Logistics in connection with the shipment.
The money-laundering counts accuse Kazeem of moving substantial sums through several companies and accounts, including Mallamawa Ventures, Fateey Man Multi-Purpose Nigeria Limited, Patonifa Limited, Ade-Lak Resources, Holmestas Global Services Limited and La Capital Enterprises.
The prosecution alleges that some of the funds were used to acquire vehicles and landed property to conceal their alleged source. Kazeem is also accused of failing to declare his assets to the NDLEA.
The case followed the seizure of the cocaine consignment in Lagos and Kazeem’s arrest on August 13 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport while allegedly preparing to travel to Paris.
The NDLEA valued the seized cocaine at about N39 billion and said searches of Kazeem and his Banana Island residence yielded exotic vehicles, foreign currencies and jewellery allegedly linked to illicit proceeds.
Kazeem had earlier challenged his continued detention after a 30-day extension was granted. Justice Akintayo Aluko dismissed the challenge on September 17.
At the September 25 proceedings, defence lawyers, led by Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal, SAN, sought bail, with Kazeem’s counsel also citing health concerns and submitting medical documents. Prosecutor Abu Ibrahim opposed the applications.
Kazeem, Sule and Patriarch will remain in custody pending trial. They have pleaded not guilty and remain presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the allegations against them.