A Nigerian resident in Thailand, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, has been apprehended by authorities after allegedly absconding from court proceedings related to drug trafficking charges in the Koh Pha Ngan region.
According to a Thailand news website report, Nuzbech was recaptured on January 14 following intelligence information about his location.
The report indicated that the suspect’s initial arrest occurred in March 2025 after he purportedly supplied 25.71 grammes of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement agent.
He subsequently secured bail with conditions requiring his court attendance, but rather than comply with judicial directives, he allegedly disappeared and resumed illicit drug operations.
The report further revealed that investigators recovered incriminating materials including suspected cocaine, a mobile telephone, and currency during his second arrest.
“Nuzbech’s original detention took place in March of the previous year after he delivered 25.71 grammes of cocaine to an undercover operative. Following his release on bail, he failed to honour his court appointment and disappeared, purportedly maintaining drug sales activities between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan,” the report stated.
“Officers intercepted the white Mitsubishi Mirage in which he was riding and, following his resistance to arrest, forcibly accessed the vehicle. Authorities discovered 1.18 grammes of cocaine, 50,280 baht in currency, and a mobile telephone containing communications linked to narcotics transactions.
“The communications indicated a connection to a 29-year-old Thai female whose banking account QR code was purportedly employed to process payments.”
The report noted that Nuzbech could face imprisonment of up to 10 years upon conviction.
“Nuzbech currently confronts accusations of possession with intent to distribute, an offence punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years and a financial penalty of up to one million baht upon conviction.
“Authorities are broadening their probe to identify potential collaborators and establish the complete extent of the narcotics operation,” the report concluded.
Nuzbech represents one of several Nigerians detained in Thailand on drug-related violations.