NDLEA authorities have captured one of Nigeria’s most wanted drug traffickers, ending a 15-year manhunt that spanned multiple countries.
Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, 58, was apprehended in Lagos on February 23 during a high-risk operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA) special operations unit, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that Ilomuanya’s criminal record stretches back over two decades.
He was first detained in the United Kingdom in 2003, convicted of drug trafficking, and sentenced to nine years in prison. He was released after serving just two years on appeal.
“He returned to criminal activity almost immediately,” Babafemi said.
“In 2011, he was arrested again in the UK for drug-related offences. He secured administrative bail but absconded to Nigeria.”
In 2018, NDLEA operatives discovered two secret methamphetamine laboratories connected to Ilomuanya.
One was at his residence in Obinugwu, Orlu LGA, Imo State, and the other at his Lagos property on Barrister Declan Uzoma Close.
Officers seized nearly 78 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside sophisticated production equipment.
Ilomuanya was charged in a Federal High Court in Lagos but skipped bail and evaded arrest for years, prompting an extensive international search.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa said the arrest is a clear message to traffickers trying to exploit borders to escape justice.
“No one is beyond the reach of the law,” Marwa said.
“Our operations will remain intelligence-driven, and we will continue deepening international cooperation to dismantle drug networks.”