NDLEA Arrests Long-Wanted Drug Trafficker Sought by UK Authorities
Records show that Ilomuanya was first arrested in the United Kingdom in February 2003 for drug trafficking and subsequently convicted.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of the agency and British authorities for more than 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended at a location in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following a coordinated operation by officers of the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on March 4, 2026, describing the arrest as the culmination of years of intelligence gathering and tracking.
According to the NDLEA, Ilomuanya’s arrest brings to an end a long-running cat-and-mouse chase with law enforcement agencies, stemming from his involvement in drug trafficking activities spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Records show that Ilomuanya was first arrested in the United Kingdom in February 2003 for drug trafficking and subsequently convicted. He was sentenced to nine years in prison but was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
However, authorities said he continued his involvement in narcotics-related crimes and was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences. He was granted administrative bail but fled the country and returned to Nigeria, thereby evading further prosecution.
The NDLEA noted that Ilomuanya’s criminal activities persisted even after returning to Nigeria. In November 2018, operatives of the agency arrested him following the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one located at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence at No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.
During that operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with various equipment used in the production of the illicit substance.
He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail and had remained on the run until his recent arrest.
Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking networks.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice,” Marwa said.
“Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine laboratories 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.”
He emphasised that the agency remains committed to strengthening collaboration with international partners to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for global drug traffickers.
“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords,” he added.
“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 their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the fugitive, reaffirming the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
