NDLEA Faces Backlash For Declaring 58-Year-Old Defendant Wanted ‘Despite Appearing Several Times In Court’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is facing growing criticism from legal experts following its declaration of a 58-year-old defendant, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, as a wanted fugitive — despite records indicating the man had appeared in court multiple times during an ongoing trial.

The controversy about NDLEA declaration has reignited allegations of abuse of human rights and conducting a “public trial” when the court has not ruled an accused as guilty.

SaharaReporters reports that in a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA announced the arrest of Ilomuanya, describing him as a fugitive who had been on its wanted list—and that of British authorities—for over 15 years.

According to the agency, Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on February 23, 2026, following what it described as a “high-stakes, well-coordinated operation.”

The statement further alleged that he had previously been arrested in the United Kingdom in 2011, granted administrative bail, and subsequently fled.

However, court records reviewed by sources on Friday, sharply contradicted the agency’s narrative.

Documents from proceedings at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, show that Ilomuanya has been standing trial since at least 2021 on drug-related charges filed by NDLEA prosecutors.

The case, which has been handled by Justice A.O. Awogboro and later reassigned to Justice Musa Kakaki, reportedly saw the defendant appear in court no fewer than 18 times.

Legal practitioners familiar with the case argue that these appearances fundamentally undermine the NDLEA’s claim that Ilomuanya had been “on the run.”

“It is contradictory to label a defendant as a fugitive while simultaneously prosecuting him in open court over several years,” a Lagos-based lawyer said.

“You cannot be in court and on the run at the same time.”

Further raising questions is the manner of Ilomuanya’s reported “arrest.” Contrary to NDLEA’s account of a prolonged manhunt, sources allege that he was apprehended within the court premises shortly after proceedings on February 23, 2026, and taken into custody.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of media practices by Nigerian security agencies, particularly the NDLEA.

Critics say the agency’s public communication strategy often includes releasing suspect details, photographs, and allegations before cases are concluded in court.

Legal experts warn that such actions may violate the constitutional presumption of innocence enshrined in Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Media trials create a parallel system of justice,” said a human rights advocate. “They prejudice public opinion, potentially influence judicial outcomes, and damage reputations irreparably—even if the accused is later acquitted.”

Observers note that while the Nigeria Police Force has faced similar criticisms in the past, it has made gradual improvements in curbing pre-trial publicity. The NDLEA, however, is now being accused of perpetuating the same controversial practices.

“When agencies present half-truths or misleading narratives, it undermines confidence in the justice system,” another legal expert noted.

“It also raises serious ethical and legal questions about accountability.”
For Ilomuanya, the consequences may extend beyond the courtroom. Public perception shaped by the NDLEA’s statements could prove difficult to reverse, regardless of the eventual outcome of his trial.

As criticism mounts, calls are growing louder for the NDLEA to align its operations with due process, focusing on evidence-based prosecution rather than sensational public campaigns.  (SaharaReporters)