The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from the Benin Republic, more than two years after he allegedly fled Nigeria following the seizure of 49.70 kilogrammes of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The 52-year-old suspect was arrested in Cotonou on September 2, 2026, following a joint operation involving the NDLEA, INTERPOL Nigeria and authorities in the Benin Republic.
According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike was subsequently returned to Nigeria to face charges over his alleged involvement in the drug trafficking syndicate linked to the seized heroin consignment.
The agency said the suspect had allegedly relocated to Mozambique after the February 2024 seizure, where he operated a hotel business which investigators suspected was being used as a front.
He was also said to have moved between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest.
The 49.70kg heroin consignment was concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines and was described by the agency as the single largest heroin seizure recorded at the Lagos international airport.
The investigation into the shipment had previously led to the arrest of several members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike.
The NDLEA also said 107 bank accounts linked to the investigation were frozen, while properties allegedly connected to the drug cartel were forfeited.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described Ibewuike’s arrest and return to Nigeria as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Marwa warned suspects who had fled the country that the agency would continue to pursue them, regardless of where they might seek refuge.
He said the latest development demonstrated the importance of cooperation between Nigerian law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL and their counterparts in other countries in tracking suspects wanted in connection with serious drug-related offences.
The NDLEA said Ibewuike would now face the legal process in Nigeria over the allegations arising from the 2024 heroin seizure.
