The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest of 58-year-old alleged fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on both its wanted list and that of British authorities for over 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, 23rd February 2026, following a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation conducted by a Special Operations Unit of the Agency, according to a statement released on Wednesday by NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The NDLEA said his arrest brings to an end a prolonged cat-and-mouse chase and underscores his alleged extensive involvement in drug-related crimes in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting a sustained role in the 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 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”, the statement read in part.
Reacting to the arrest of Ilomuanya, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, described the success as a key milestone in the Agency’s sustained battle against drug trafficking networks.
Marwa said, “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.”