The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to produce Lagos social media influencer and businessman Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, before the court over his continued detention following his arrest at the airport.
Justice Friday Ogazi issued the order on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after hearing an ex parte application filed by Afolabi through his counsel, A. Labi-Lawal, SAN, under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009.
Afolabi is challenging his continued detention, alleging that he had spent 14 days in NDLEA custody without being formally charged or informed of the specific offence for which he was being held.
The court directed the NDLEA to respond to the application within five days of service and explain why Afolabi should not be released or granted bail. The agency was also ordered to produce him in court when the substantive application comes up for hearing.
Afolabi was allegedly arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was preparing to travel to Paris.
In an affidavit filed in support of the application, his father, Eric Afolabi, alleged that the NDLEA had kept his son in custody since the arrest without bringing him before a competent court or formally charging him.
Justice Ogazi further ordered that the NDLEA be served with the ex parte motion, enrolled order and other processes within four working days. The case was adjourned until September 9, 2026, for hearing of the substantive application.
Afolabi is asking the court to declare his continued detention without a formal charge unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty under the 1999 Constitution. He is also seeking an order for his immediate release or, in the alternative, bail on liberal terms.
The influencer further alleged that NDLEA operatives searched his residence at Movamo Court, Banana Island, Lagos, following his arrest without presenting a search warrant to him or members of his family. He claimed that the search of the premises produced no incriminating evidence.
According to his application, the operatives also seized his iPhone 15 and demanded its password, allegedly threatening him with bodily harm if he refused to provide it. He maintained that the device contained private information belonging to him and his wife and that no narcotics, drug transactions, communications or other incriminating material was found on it.
Afolabi also accused the agency of taking and circulating photographs and videos of him while in custody. He claimed that the materials portrayed him as a criminal before any trial or conviction and violated his rights to dignity and privacy.
He is seeking N100 million in damages over the alleged publication of his photographs and videos, another N50 millionfor alleged unlawful arrest and detention, and N40 million for alleged invasion of the privacy of his home and telephone.
The applicant is also demanding the return of items he said were seized during the investigation. They include €8,000, £3,000, a blue-strap Patek Philippe Nautilus wristwatch, an Audemars Piguet wristwatch with three bangles, a Hermès handbag, a Hermès Birkin travel bag, a Louis Vuitton travel box, an iPhone 15, a Lexus RX350 and a 2024 Toyota Hilux.
He maintained that none of the listed properties was purchased with proceeds from narcotics or any other criminal activity.
Afolabi also told the court that he requires urgent medical attention because of acute and severe asthma, alleging that the facility where he is being detained does not have adequate capacity to provide the treatment and management he requires.
While seeking bail, he stated that he has a permanent address in Lagos, strong family and business ties in Nigeria and is willing to surrender his international passport and obey any conditions imposed by the court.
The NDLEA, however, said Afolabi’s arrest formed part of an investigation into the interception of 184.50 kilogrammes of cocaine allegedly connected to an international drug trafficking network.
The agency alleged that the network used Nigeria as a transit hub for cocaine shipments destined for the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. It also said its investigation resulted in the seizure of foreign currencies and luxury items and led to searches connected to the investigation.
The allegations against Afolabi remain contested and have not been determined by the court. His fundamental rights suit is focused on the legality of his detention and the alleged treatment he received following his arrest.
The September 9, 2026 hearing will give the court an opportunity to consider the substantive application, including Afolabi’s request for release or bail, the alleged violation of his fundamental rights, his claims for damages and his demand for the return of the seized properties.