The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 58 year old suspected drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of both Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during what officials described as a carefully planned operation carried out by a Special Operations Unit of the agency. His arrest brings to an end years of pursuit linked to drug trafficking offences in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was first arrested in the United Kingdom in February 2003, where he was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. He was, however, released after serving about two years following an appeal.
Babafemi stated that Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug related offences. He was granted administrative bail but allegedly jumped bail and fled to Nigeria.
He said, “Typical of a recidivist, Ilomuanya was arrested in November 2018 in Nigeria by NDLEA operatives following the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in his Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area country home in Imo State and at his No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close, Lagos residence, where officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment. He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court, Lagos, after which he jumped court bail and has been on the run since then.”
Reacting to the latest arrest, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, described it as a major breakthrough in the agency’s fight against drug cartels.
He said, “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.
“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords. The NDLEA under our watch will continue to strengthen intelligence led operations, deepen international cooperation, and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.”
Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for what he described as their professionalism and resilience in tracking down the fugitive, insisting that the agency would remain steadfast in dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within the country.
