Two people in the UK, Oladipupo Atandare and Latifat Yusuf, have been charged after more than 180kg of cocaine was seized on 5 August. A separate but similar shipment of 184.5kg was found at a courier facility in Lagos and valued at about £20m, triggering multiple arrests in Nigeria. Nigerian authorities have named influencer Afolabi Kazeem Michael ("KC Luxury") among suspects; both UK and Nigerian inquiries are ongoing.
Two Charged After Major Cocaine Seizures Linked To UK–Nigeria Probe
[EPA]
Two people in the UK have been charged with offences connected to an international drugs investigation after a large cocaine seizure, while a similar shipment was discovered in Nigeria as part of a parallel inquiry.
UK Arrests and Court Appearances
Oladipupo Atandare, 50, of Dagenham, and Latifat Yusuf, 44, of Hornchurch, were arrested after police seized more than 180kg (approximately 397lb) of cocaine in the UK on 5 August. The pair appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 8 August and were remanded in custody. They are due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 September.
Afolabi Kazeem Micheal, AKA "KC Luxury", has not commented on the allegations [NDLEA]
Nigeria Seizure and Related Arrests
Separately, Nigerian authorities reported finding 184.5kg of cocaine packed in brown boxes at a courier facility in Lagos. The shipment has been estimated to be worth about £20 million (roughly $28 million). Several arrests were made in Nigeria in connection with the discovery, including a logistics company employee and a prominent social media influencer.
Influencer Named in Nigerian Inquiry
Nigerian law enforcement identified Afolabi Kazeem Michael, known online as "KC Luxury" (49), as a suspect and alleged he was acting as the Nigerian "arrowhead" for an international drug cartel. Authorities say he has not commented on the allegations.
Police Statements and Ongoing Inquiries
The Metropolitan Police said the UK arrests relate solely to the drugs seizure in the UK, and that inquiries are continuing into the discovery in Nigeria. Authorities in both countries appear to be coordinating elements of the investigation as they pursue links between the two seizures.
What Happens Next: The two suspects arrested in the UK will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 7 September. Nigerian investigations and prosecutions are ongoing.
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