The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old alleged fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had reportedly been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.
The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated operation by officers of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit in Lagos, the agency said in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, Ilomuanya’s arrest marks the end of a long-standing manhunt following his alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Babafemi said Ilomuanya had previously been arrested and convicted in the United Kingdom for drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years in prison but was later released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
“He was first arrested and convicted in the United Kingdom for drug trafficking; sentenced to nine years, but was later released after two years in jail upon appeal,” Babafemi stated.
“Not done with crime, he was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences. He was granted administrative bail but jumped jurisdiction and fled to Nigeria.”
The NDLEA spokesman further disclosed that Ilomuanya was later arrested by operatives of the agency in Nigeria after the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories linked to him.
According to the agency, the laboratories were located at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and at his residence at No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.
During the operation, NDLEA officers reportedly recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with equipment used for large-scale drug production.
“He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos, after which he jumped court bail and had been on the run until his latest arrest,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s fight against international drug trafficking networks.
“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.”
Marwa added that the agency would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and deepen international cooperation to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for global drug traffickers.
“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords,” he said.
The NDLEA boss also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and resilience in tracking down the suspect.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
