Operatives of the Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have rearrested a 50-year-old suspected drug trafficker identified as Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal after his wife allegedly swore to an affidavit declaring him dead.
DAILY POST reports that Dr Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State commander of the agency who disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City on Tuesday, alleged that the intention of the affidavit was for the suspect to evade prosecution.
Ofoyeju said the suspect had earlier jumped bail when he was arrested on February 5, 2022 at Ugbekun Junction, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, while transporting various quantities of 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 said.
The Edo State Commander of NDLEA further disclosed that the rearrested suspect was on Tuesday 26, 2026 arraigned before Justice B. O. Quadir of the Federal High Court, Benin City for prosecution.
He alleged that the wife of the suspect identified as Mrs Ibrahim Nana Hawa had fraudulently submitted an affidavit claiming that her husband had died while they were living together at Iruvucheba, Okene, 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.
Ofoyefu said upon receiving the information, operatives of the agency launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
He explained that
while working on an intelligence report, operatives of the Command uncovered the truth that Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal was very much alive.
He said the suspect was apprehended in a covert operation and taken into custody.
Meanwhile, after a briefing hearing in court, Justice B. O. Quadir ordered the suspect to be remanded at the NDLEA custody while the case was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
Speaking further of the incident, Ofoyeju said it was a clear attempt to pervert the course of justice.
He noted that 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 the fraudulent scheme.
According to him, the case would serve as a warning to all drug traffickers and their collaborators that no amount of deception can hide them from the long arm of the law.
He equally commended the officers in Edo and those in Kogi State for their diligence and persistence in ensuring that the suspect is held accountable for his alleged crimes.
The Edo State NDLEA boss assured that the agency remained resolute in its commitment to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the agency by providing credible information that would aid its operations while working for a safe and healthy society.
