NDLEA re-arrests suspect who allegedly faked death

The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has re-arrested suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Lawal, for allegedly faking his death to evade prosecution.

Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed this in a statement he issued to newsmen on Tuesday.

Ofoyeju said the 50-year-old suspect was re-arrested after jumping bail granted following his 2022 arrest for alleged drug trafficking offences.

He said Lawal was arrested on February 5, 2022 at Ugbekun Junction, Esan Central Local Government Area, while transporting psychotropic substances in a Toyota bus.

According to him, recovered exhibits included 0.257kg of Lexotan, one kilogramme of Diazepam, and 5.4kg of Phenobarbital concealed inside the vehicle.

Ofoyeju said the suspect was charged on three-count bordering on unlawful transportation of controlled substances under the NDLEA Act.

He said Lawal pleaded not guilty and was later granted bail before absconding during trial proceedings.

The commander alleged that the suspect’s wife, Ibrahim Nana-Hawa, later submitted an affidavit claiming he died in October 2024 after battling tuberculosis.

The statement said: “The affidavit stated that Lawal died at Iruvucheba in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi and was buried according to Islamic rites.

“Our operatives, working on intelligence, uncovered the truth that Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal was very much alive. 

“He was recently apprehended in a covert operation and taken into custody.” 

Ofoyeju described the alleged false death claim as an attempt to obstruct justice and warned that those linked to the act could face sanctions.

He said: “This incident was a clear attempt to pervert the course of justice.”

He said the suspect had been re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Benin presided over by Justice B. O. Quadir.

He said the case was adjourned until June 22, 2026 for further hearing.

The commander reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to prosecute drug traffickers and urged residents to support anti-drug operations with credible information.