Two Nigerian nationals, Kenechi Ndukaife Atuchukwu and Michael Okoya, have appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court in North West, South Africa, on charges of drug possession and dealing.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, the court appearance follows a lengthy investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, working in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Organised Crime Component.

North West Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, explained that the investigation began in 2022 and included an undercover operation during which Atuchukwu, 45, was allegedly caught in the act of selling drugs.

Following due legal processes, a warrant of arrest was issued and executed on Friday in Klerksdorp.

“Atuchukwu is linked to a case involving his fellow countryman, Michael Okoya, who was arrested last week for alleged dealing in drugs,” Mathebula stated.

In a recent update on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mathebula confirmed that the case has been adjourned to September 29 for a formal bail application, with both accused remaining in police custody.

Meanwhile, North West acting head of the Hawks, Brigadier Georgia Moos, and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Rachel Makhari, commended the arrests and reaffirmed their commitment to curbing organised crime in the region.