By Kamsi Anayo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a 58-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been wanted by Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.
Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy in a statement on Wednesday, said Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Feb. 23.
The arrest followed what officials described as a coordinated operation by the agency’s Special Operations Unit.
According to him, Ilomuanya has a history of drug-related convictions and arrests in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
He was first arrested in the UK in February 2003, convicted for drug trafficking, and sentenced to nine years in prison. He was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
In July 2011, he was again arrested in the UK on drug-related charges. He was granted administrative bail but failed to return to court and fled to Nigeria.
Babafemi said Ilomuanya was later arrested in Nigeria in November 2018 after operatives uncovered two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at a residence in Lagos.
“Officers reportedly recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and equipment used for production.
“He was charged before the Federal High Court in Lagos but allegedly jumped bail and had remained at large until his recent arrest.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a major step in the efforts to curb drug trafficking networks operating across borders.
While commending the officers, Marwa said the agency would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and collaboration with international partners to prevent Nigeria from being used as a base for illicit drug activities.
