NDLEA ARRESTS WANTED DRUG LORD UZOMA ILOMUANYA AFTER 15 YEARS ON THE RUN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
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 over 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a coordinated operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit. His arrest brings to an end a prolonged manhunt linked to a history of drug trafficking offences spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The suspect was first arrested in the UK in February 2003, convicted for drug trafficking, and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. However, he was released after serving two years following a successful appeal. He was again arrested in July 2011 for drug-related offences in the UK but reportedly jumped administrative bail and fled to Nigeria.
In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his Lagos residence. Officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and various production equipment during the raid.
He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but absconded after being granted bail, remaining at large until his latest arrest.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing 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 stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations and international collaboration to prevent Nigeria from being used as a haven for global drug traffickers.
Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and resilience in tracking down the fugitive, reiterating that the agency remains determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.
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