NDLEA arrests fugitive wanted by UK authorities for over 15 years
A major drug trafficking suspect, Uzoma Ilomuanya, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after evading authorities for over 15 years. The agency, in collaboration with international partners, apprehended the 58-year-old in Lagos. Ilomuanya has a long history of drug-related offences in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. NDLEA officials described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in their fight against drug trafficking networks.
What happened
- Uzoma Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, by NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit.
- He was first arrested in the UK in February 2003 for drug trafficking, sentenced to nine years, but released after two years following an appeal.
- He was arrested again in the UK in July 2011 for drug offences, granted bail, and fled to Nigeria.
- In November 2018, NDLEA operatives arrested him in Nigeria after discovering methamphetamine laboratories at his properties.
- NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa praised the operation, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.
