Suspected drug lord wanted in UK, arrested after 15 years on the run

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 58-year-old Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, a suspected drug lord who has been on the wanted lists of both the NDLEA and British authorities for over 15 years. Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, following an operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.  […]

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 58-year-old Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, a suspected drug lord who has been on the wanted lists of both the NDLEA and British authorities for over 15 years.

Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, following an operation by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit. 

A statement by NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday said the arrest ends a long-standing “cat-and-mouse” game with the law, highlighting the suspect’s persistent involvement in the global narcotics trade across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Babafemi stated that the suspect’s criminal history dates back to February 2003, when he was first arrested and convicted in the UK for drug trafficking.

“Though sentenced to nine years, he was released after two years following an appeal. In July 2011, he was again arrested in the UK for drug-related offences; however, after being granted administrative bail, he jumped jurisdiction and fled to Nigeria.

“Maintaining his pattern of recidivism, Ilomuanya was arrested in Nigeria by NDLEA operatives in November 2018. This followed the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories—one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu LGA, Imo State, and another at his residence on Barrister Declan Uzoma Close, Lagos. During those raids, officers recovered 77.96 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment. He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos, but he jumped court bail and remained at large until his recent capture,” Babafemi explained.

Reacting to the operation, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a significant breakthrough in the Agency’s relentless war against drug cartels.

“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.”