The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug kingpin, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for over 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, 23 February 2026, following what the Agency described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by its Special Operations Unit.
His arrest marks the end of a prolonged manhunt spanning Nigeria and the United Kingdom, where he had faced multiple drug trafficking charges before allegedly fleeing justice.
According to the NDLEA, Ilomuanya was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom, where he was convicted for drug trafficking and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. He was, however, released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
He was again arrested in July 2011 in the UK for drug-related offences. Though granted administrative bail, he reportedly absconded and returned to Nigeria, evading British authorities.
The fugitive’s troubles deepened in November 2018 when NDLEA operatives uncovered two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories linked to him — one in 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.
Operatives recovered 77.960 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment during the operation. He was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos but allegedly jumped bail and had remained on the run until his latest arrest.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the Agency’s war against drug cartels.
“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”, he said.
Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and resilience in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the NDLEA remains unwavering in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
