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By Christopher Oji
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has re-arrested and brought before the Federal High Court in Benin City a suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, 50, who earlier jumped bail and whose wife fraudulently submitted an affidavit claiming he had died while they were living together in Iruvucheba, Okene, Kogi State.
NDLEA Edo State Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, yesterday disclosed that Lawal was originally arrested on February 5, 2022, at Ugbekun Junction, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, while transporting various quantities of psychotropic substances.
“He was found in possession of 0.257kg of Lexotan, 1kg of Diazepam and 5.4kg of Phenobarbital, all concealed in a white Toyota bus with registration number Abuja BWR401XC.
“Ibrahim was subsequently charged on a three-count charge of unlawful transportation of controlled substances, contrary to the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Count one specifically stated that Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, on or about the 5th day of February 2022, without lawful authority, transported 0.257kg of Lexotan, a psychotropic substance similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD.
“After pleading not guilty to the charges, Lawal was granted bail by the court. However, he absconded and failed to appear for his trial.
“In a desperate attempt to evade justice, his wife, Ibrahim Nana Hawa, swore to an Affidavit of Facts as to the demise of her husband, dated October 2024, claiming that Lawal died on October 3, 2024, following a protracted illness diagnosed as tuberculosis.
“The affidavit, which was submitted to the court, stated that she was a citizen of Nigeria residing in Iruvucheba, Okene LGA, Kogi State, and that her husband was buried according to their religious rites.”
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The NDLEA, upon receiving the information, launched a thorough investigation.
In the words of Commander Mitchell: “Our operatives, working on intelligence reports, uncovered the truth that Lawal was very much alive. He was recently apprehended in a covert operation and taken into custody.”
“Today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Lawal was brought before Honourable Justice B.O. Quadir of the Federal High Court, Benin City. The court proceedings were brief, as the matter was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
“This incident was a clear attempt to pervert the course of justice. The use of a false death affidavit to evade prosecution is a serious offence, and the command will not hesitate to sanction all parties involved, including the wife, for her role in this fraudulent scheme,” Commander Mitchell stated.
He added that the case would serve as a warning to all drug traffickers and their collaborators that no amount of deception could shield them from the long arm of the law.
“I commend the officers in Edo and those in Kogi State for their diligence and persistence in ensuring that this suspect is held accountable for his alleged crimes.
“The NDLEA remains resolute in its commitment to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law. We urge members of the public to continue supporting the agency by providing credible information that will aid our operations while working towards a safe and healthy society.”
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