Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have rearrested a suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, after his wife allegedly filed an affidavit in court claiming that he had died, in what authorities described as an attempt to evade prosecution.
The Edo State NDLEA Commander, Dr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City on Tuesday.
According to him, the suspect, aged 50, was initially arrested on February 5, 2022, at Ugbekun Junction in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State while allegedly transporting various quantities of psychotropic substances.
He said Lawal was found with 0.257kg of Lexotan, 1kg of Diazepam, and 5.4kg of Phenobarbital concealed inside a white Toyota bus with registration number Abuja BWR401XC.
Ofoyeju explained that the suspect was arraigned on a three-count charge of unlawful transportation of controlled substances under the NDLEA Act.
After pleading not guilty, he was granted bail but later absconded and failed to appear in court for his trial.
The NDLEA commander further alleged that in an attempt to frustrate justice, the suspect’s wife, identified as Mrs. Ibrahim Nana Hawa, swore to an affidavit claiming that her husband had died on October 3, 2024, after a prolonged illness diagnosed as tuberculosis.
The affidavit reportedly stated that he had died while living with his family in Iruvucheba, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Inside Edo State:
Troops Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers and Collaborators in Edo Operations
NDLEA Arrests Four Suspects, Destroys Cannabis Farms in Edo Raids
Edo Fake Bank Transfer Scam 2026: Security Operatives Arrest Suspect Targeting Benin Traders
However, Ofoyeju said the agency became suspicious and launched an investigation, which revealed that the suspect was still alive.
He added that operatives of the agency tracked and rearrested Lawal during a covert operation after gathering credible intelligence.
The suspect was subsequently arraigned before Justice B. O. Quadir of the Federal High Court in Benin City. The court ordered that he be remanded in NDLEA custody, with the case adjourned to June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
Ofoyeju described the alleged use of a false death affidavit as a serious attempt to obstruct justice, warning that anyone found involved, including the suspect’s wife, would face legal consequences.
He commended NDLEA officers in Edo and Kogi States for their professionalism and persistence in ensuring the suspect was brought back to face trial.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support its operations.
About the Author
