NDLEA arrests wanted drug lord Uzoma Ilomuanya after 15 years on the run

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had reportedly been on the agency’s wanted list and that of authorities in the United Kingdom for more than 15 years.

Ilomuanya was captured in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit. The arrest was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the statement, the arrest ended a prolonged effort by law enforcement to track him over alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“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 LGA country home in Imo state and at his No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close Lagos house 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 arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described it as a major breakthrough in the agency’s campaign against drug trafficking.

“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 praised officers of the Special Operations Unit for their dedication in tracking down the fugitive, reiterating the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating in Nigeria.