NDLEA Re-Arrests Drug Suspect Who Faked His Death

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has re-arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, who allegedly jumped bail and was falsely declared dead by his wife in an affidavit submitted to the Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State.

Edo State NDLEA Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju disclosed that the suspect was brought before the Federal High Court in Benin on May 26, 2026, after intelligence investigations revealed he was alive despite claims of his death.

Lawal, 50, was first arrested on February 5, 2022, at Ugbekun Junction in Esan Central Local Government Area while transporting psychotropic substances.

According to the NDLEA, operatives recovered 0.257kg of Lexotan, 1kg of Diazepam, and 5.4kg of Phenobarbital concealed inside a white Toyota bus with Abuja registration number BWR 401 XC.

The suspect was arraigned on a three-count charge under the NDLEA Act but later absconded after being granted bail.

In October 2024, his wife, identified as Ibrahim Nana Hawa, allegedly submitted an affidavit claiming Lawal died from tuberculosis on October 3, 2024, and had been buried according to Islamic rites in Iruvucheba, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.

However, the agency said intelligence-led investigations uncovered that the suspect was still alive, leading to his re-arrest in a covert operation.

Lawal was re-arraigned before Justice B.O. Quadir of the Federal High Court in Benin, while the case was adjourned until June 22, 2026, for further hearing.

Ofoyeju described the alleged false death affidavit as an attempt to obstruct justice and warned that all parties involved, including the suspect’s wife, could face sanctions.

He also commended NDLEA officers in Edo and Kogi states for tracking and apprehending the suspect.