Wanted in UK, NDLEA arrests fugitive drug lord after 15 years on the run
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday announced the arrest of a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who has been on the wanted list of NDLEA and
- Marwa says his arrest a significant breakthrough in fight against cartels
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday announced the arrest of a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who has been on the wanted list of NDLEA and British authorities for over 15 years.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement, described the development as a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks.
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Babafemi said Ilomuanya was apprehended at a location in Lagos on Monday, last week, following a well-coordinated operation by officers of the Special Operations Unit of the agency.
“His arrest ends a long-standing cat-and-mouse game with the law following his long history of drug related crimes across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which highlight a persistent involvement in global narcotics trade.
“He was first arrested in February 2003 and convicted in the United Kingdom for drug trafficking; sentenced to nine years but was later released after two years in jail upon appeal. Not done with crime, he was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences. He was granted administrative bail but jumped jurisdiction and fled to Nigeria.
“Typical of a recidivist, Ilomuanya was in November 2018 arrested 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 Declan Uzoma Close Lagos house where officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment. He was charged before a Federal High Court, Lagos after which he jumped court bail and has been on the run since then,” Babafemi said.
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The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the development as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s relentless war against drug cartels.
He said the arrest served as a warning to those who think they could 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,” he added.
