March 04, (THEWILL) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug kingpin, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.
A statement signed on Tuesday by NDLEA Spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, following what the agency described as a high-risk, intelligence-led operation by its Special Operations Unit.
The arrest brings to a close a prolonged international manhunt linked to Ilomuanya’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to the NDLEA, Ilomuanya was first arrested and convicted in the UK in February 2003 for drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.
However, he was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
Despite the conviction, he was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences.
He was granted administrative bail but subsequently absconded and fled to Nigeria.
In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him after discovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one in his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his Lagos residence.
During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with extensive production equipment.
He was charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but allegedly jumped bail and had remained at large until his latest arrest.
Reacting to the breakthrough, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a significant victory in the agency’s sustained war against drug cartels.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice.
“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 said.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven operations and international collaboration to ensure Nigeria is not used as a haven for global drug traffickers.
Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and persistence in tracking down the fugitive.
The NDLEA said Ilomuanya will be re-arraigned to continue his prosecution, reaffirming its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
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