Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal, 50, who was previously declared dead in an affidavit reportedly submitted by his wife, has been rearrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State and arraigned before the Federal High Court in Benin.
The suspect who had earlier jumped bail was discovered to be living with his wife at Iruvucheba, Okene, Kogi State.
Edo State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed that Lawal was first arrested on February 5, 2022, at Ugbekun Junction in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State while allegedly conveying different quantities of psychotropic substances.
He said 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 BWR 401 XC.
Ofoyeju said 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.
Lawal had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail by the court. However, he later jumped bail and stopped appearing for trial proceedings.
In an apparent bid to shield him from prosecution, his wife, Ibrahim Nana Hawa, filed an affidavit in October 2024 declaring that her husband had died on October 3, 2024, after a prolonged battle with 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.
The NDLEA, upon receiving this information, launched a thorough investigation.
Ofoyeju said, “Our operatives, working on an intelligence report, uncovered the truth that Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal was very much alive.
He was recently apprehended in a covert operation and taken into custody.
“He had earlier jumped bail and his wife fraudulently submitted an affidavit claiming he had died while they were living together at Iruvucheba, Okene, Kogi State.”
Today, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Lawal was brought before Honourable Justice B. O. Quadir of the Federal High Court, Benin.
The court proceedings were brief, as the matter was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
Ofoyeju said the incident was a clear attempt to pervert the course of justice.
He said 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.
He added that 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, adding, “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.”
He noted that the NDLEA remained resolute in its commitment to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and to ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law, while urging 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.
