After 15 Years On The Run, NDLEA Nabs Fugitive Drug Kingpin Uzoma Ilomuanya In High-Stakes Lagos Operation

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, a 58-year-old fugitive drug kingpin who had been on the agency’s wanted list for more than 15 years.

In a statement on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, following what he described as a high-stakes, well-coordinated operation by officers of the agency’s Special Operations Unit.

According to the statement Ilomuanya’s criminal history spans over two decades. He was first arrested in the United Kingdom in February 2003, convicted for drug trafficking, and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment. However, he was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

Babafemi further revealed that Ilomuanya was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences. Though granted administrative bail, he reportedly absconded and fled to Nigeria.

In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after uncovering two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — 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, Lagos. During the operation, officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with extensive production equipment.

He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but allegedly jumped court bail and had been on the run until his latest arrest.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, described the arrest as a stern warning to criminals who believe they can evade justice by exploiting international borders.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and strengthening global collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking.