NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin After 15 Years on the Run

NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin After 15 Years on the Run

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected drug kingpin, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had reportedly been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.

The arrest was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, who said the suspect was apprehended during a coordinated operation in Lagos.

According to the agency, Ilomuanya, 58, was captured on Monday, February 23, 2026, by operatives of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit following what officials described as a carefully planned intelligence-led operation.

The suspect had long been under surveillance due to his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking activities spanning several years.

Babafemi explained that Ilomuanya’s history with drug-related offences dates back to 2003 when he was first arrested in the United Kingdom and convicted for trafficking illicit substances.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison but later secured his release after serving two years following a successful appeal.

However, the suspect again ran into trouble with authorities in July 2011 when he was arrested in the UK over fresh drug-related allegations.

Though granted administrative bail at the time, he reportedly absconded and fled to Nigeria, thereby evading further prosecution abroad.

Investigations by Nigerian authorities later linked him to drug production operations within the country.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him after uncovering two secret methamphetamine laboratories connected to him.

One of the facilities was located at his country home in Obinugwu in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, while the second was discovered at his residence in Lagos.

During the raid, officers reportedly recovered about 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with equipment used for the production of the illicit substance.

Following the discovery, Ilomuanya was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos to face charges related to drug trafficking.

However, he later jumped court bail and went into hiding, remaining a fugitive until his recent arrest.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in and around Nigeria.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice,” Marwa said.

“Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.”

The NDLEA boss noted that the successful operation highlights the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and cooperation with international partners in the fight against drug trafficking.

He added that the agency remains committed to preventing Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for international drug cartels.

Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the fugitive after years of evading law enforcement.

According to him, the arrest demonstrates the agency’s resolve to pursue suspects involved in the illegal drug trade regardless of how long they attempt to remain in hiding.

The NDLEA said the suspect will face further legal proceedings in the coming days as authorities prepare to resume prosecution over the allegations against him.