The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, a suspected international drug trafficker who had been on its wanted list for over 15 years.
In a statement issued Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the 58-year-old suspect was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, during what he described as a “high-stakes, well-coordinated” operation carried out by the agency’s Special Operations Unit.
According to the agency, Ilomuanya’s history with drug enforcement authorities spans more than two decades.
He was first arrested in the United Kingdom in February 2003, convicted of drug trafficking, and sentenced to nine years imprisonment. However, he was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
Babafemi disclosed that Ilomuanya resurfaced in July 2011 when he was again arrested in the UK over drug-related offences.
Though granted administrative bail, he reportedly absconded and fled to Nigeria.
The agency further revealed that Ilomuanya was re-arrested in November 2018 after operatives uncovered two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories—one at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence on Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.
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During that operation, officers reportedly recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with large-scale production equipment.
He was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos but allegedly jumped bail and went underground, prompting the agency to declare him wanted.
Reacting to the latest arrest, NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa described the development as a strong message to individuals who believe they can evade justice by exploiting international borders.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations and enhanced collaboration with global partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, which has intensified efforts in recent years to track high-profile suspects and disrupt organised narcotics operations within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.