A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the extradition of convicted drug offender Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya to the United Kingdom to serve a 66-month prison sentence handed down by a British court.

The court, presided over by Justice Ayokunle Faji, who passed the judgment, also granted the Attorney-General of the Federation’s application for Ilomuanya’s surrender under the Extradition Act. The court held that all statutory requirements for extradition were met.

Ilomuanya, also known as Val, Valentine Ilomuanya, and Henry Ilomuanya, was previously convicted by the Isleworth Crown Court for drug-related offences.

He absconded while on bail and fled to Nigeria, leading to a formal extradition request from UK authorities on March 6, 2026.

Justice Faji ruled that the AGF established a prima facie case with duly authenticated documents, including a certificate of conviction, a UK arrest warrant, and diplomatic requests.

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in AGF v. Princewill Ugonna Anuebunwa (2022), the judge confirmed that the offences were extraditable and that the UK’s request complied with Nigerian law.

The judge dismissed arguments that the request was defective because the AGF didn’t personally sign it, noting law officers can sign on the AGF’s behalf.

Justice Faji declared that the UK conviction documents bore original signatures and were authenticated by a UK District Judge, creating a presumption of validity.

The court held that a prior charge against Ilomuanya was discontinued on February 24, 2026, clearing the way for extradition, adding that the 13-year gap was caused by Ilomuanya jumping bail.

“A duly convicted person who jumped bail must not be allowed to escape the long arms of the law. Ilomuanya’s claim that he couldn’t fly due to traditional treatment in Imo State lacked credible medical evidence,” Justice Faji said.

Justice Faji stressed Nigeria’s treaty obligations, stating: “The treaty obligations of Nigeria ought to be complied with and observed by all organs involved in law and order.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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