Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Edo State have rearrested a 50 year old suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, after his wife allegedly swore to an affidavit declaring him dead in what authorities described as an attempt to evade prosecution.
The Edo State Commander of the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday.
According to Ofoyeju, the suspect had earlier jumped bail after he was arrested on February 5, 2022, at Ugbekun Junction in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State while allegedly transporting various psychotropic substances.
“The suspect 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.
“He 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,” Ofoyeju stated.
The NDLEA commander further disclosed that the suspect was rearraigned on Tuesday before Justice B.O. Quadir of the Federal High Court in Benin City.
Ofoyeju alleged that the suspect’s wife, identified as Ibrahim Nana Hawa, fraudulently submitted an affidavit claiming her husband died on October 3, 2024, after battling tuberculosis while residing in Iruvucheba, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“In a desperate attempt to evade justice, his wife, one Ibrahim Nana Hawa, swore to an Affidavit of Facts as to the demise of the Husband, dated October 2024, claiming that Lawal had 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 Local Government Area, Kogi State, and that the husband was buried according to their religious rites,” he added.
Following the affidavit, NDLEA operatives reportedly launched an investigation and later discovered that the suspect was still alive.
Authorities said Lawal was subsequently apprehended during a covert operation and taken back into custody.
After a brief court session, Justice Quadir ordered that the suspect be remanded in NDLEA custody, while the case was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
Describing the incident as an attempt to obstruct justice, Ofoyeju warned that all individuals involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme, including the suspect’s wife, could face legal consequences.
“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,” he said.
He added that the case should serve as a warning to drug traffickers and their collaborators that no form of deception would shield them from prosecution.
Ofoyeju also commended officers in both Edo and Kogi states for their efforts in tracking down the suspect and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking across Nigeria.
