NDLEA arrest: Wanted drug suspect repatriated from Benin

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from Benin Republic.

The agency noted that Ibewuike had allegedly been on the run for over two years in connection with a 49.70kg heroin seizure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

PUNCH Metro learnt from a statement on the official X account of the NDLEA on Wednesday that Ibewuike, 52, was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

The statement noted that the 52-year-old was arrested last Wednesday following a collaboration between the agency, INTERPOL in Nigeria and the Benin Republic to track him down.

According to the agency, Ibewuike had relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business as a front, after the NDLEA intercepted the heroin consignment at the airport in February 2024.

The NDLEA noted that Ibewuike had remained on the run for over two years, moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest.

The statement added, “His evasion came to an end on September 2, 2026, when he was arrested in Cotonou following actionable intelligence and cooperation between the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL offices, before being repatriated to Nigeria to face charges over the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his network.”

The agency disclosed that the 49.70kg consignment, concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the airport’s Import Shed, was the single largest heroin seizure recorded at the MMIA.

The statement noted that the operation, which lasted 12 days, led to the arrest of key members of the drug syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.

The agency said the investigation also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel.

“Those arrested were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024,” the agency stated.

According to the NDLEA, three suspects, including Augustine Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline, have so far been convicted and sentenced.

It added, “Three others, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiama Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial, while three others, including Ibewuike Festus, had been charged in absentia.”

The statement alleged that the suspect reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.

The agency said he was taken to its Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday, September 5, where he formally identified the parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code as being linked to him.

Further investigation, according to the NDLEA, also showed that Ibewuike had previously been linked to another drug-related case before the Federal High Court, Lagos, involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine, adding that the case, involving one Chidi Idiohia, ended in his conviction in 2023.

Reacting to the arrest, the NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described it as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.

Marwa was quoted as saying, “This arrest is a major breakthrough in our resolve to track down and bring to justice every drug baron who thinks that fleeing Nigeria’s shores puts them beyond the reach of the law.

“As I have always vowed, the long arm of the NDLEA will catch up with anyone involved in this illicit trade, no matter how long it takes or how far they run.

“Festus Ibewuike ran for over two years, hiding under a change of name and a new life abroad, but today he is back in Nigeria to answer for the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his network.”

The NDLEA chairman warned other fleeing suspects that the agency would continue its pursuit until those involved in the illicit drug trade were brought to justice.

He also commended the multinational cooperation that led to Ibewuike’s arrest and transfer, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, for their role in ensuring a smooth transfer of custody.