NDLEA arrests wanted drug lord after 15 years on the run

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive cause lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been connected the wanted database of Nigerian and British authorities for implicit 15 years.

This was disclosed successful a connection issued connected Wednesday by spokesperson of the bureau Femi Babafemi.

Ilomuanya was apprehended successful Lagos connected Monday, February 23, 2026, pursuing what officials described arsenic a high-stakes, well-coordinated cognition by officers of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit.

Ilomuanya was archetypal arrested successful February 2003 successful the United Kingdom and aboriginal convicted for cause trafficking.

He was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment but was released aft serving 2 years pursuing a palmy appeal.

In July 2011, helium was again arrested successful the UK for drug-related offences.

Though granted administrative bail, helium absconded and fled to Nigeria, evading further prosecution.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him successful Nigeria aft uncovering 2 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — 1 astatine his state location successful Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and different astatine his residence successful Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extended cause accumulation equipment.

He was subsequently charged earlier a F...