The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has re-arrested a suspected drug trafficker, Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal who allegedly jumped bail and faked his death to evade prosecution.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, disclosed on Tuesday that the suspect was brought before the Federal High Court in Benin after investigations revealed he was alive despite claims of his death.
According to Ofoyeju, Lawal was initially arrested on February 5, 2022, in Edo State while transporting psychotropic substances, including Lexotan, Diazepam and Phenobarbital concealed in a commercial bus.
He said the suspect was arraigned on drug trafficking charges and later granted bail but absconded during trial.
The NDLEA said the suspect’s wife later submitted an affidavit in October 2024, claiming he had died after battling tuberculosis and had been buried according to Islamic rites in Kogi State.
However, intelligence-led investigations by the agency reportedly uncovered that the suspect was still alive.
“Our operatives uncovered the truth that Ibrahim Yusuf Lawal was very much alive. He was recently apprehended in a covert operation and taken into custody,” Ofoyeju said.
The agency described the alleged false death claim as an attempt to obstruct justice, warning that all those involved in the scheme could face sanctions.
Lawal was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Benin, while the case was adjourned till June 22, 2026, for further hearing.
