NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin After Two Years, Repatriates Him From Benin
NDLEA said the 52-year-old suspect was tracked with INTERPOL after fleeing for more than two years, while 107 bank accounts were frozen in the case.
- On September 2, 2026, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested suspected kingpin Festus Ibewuike at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, following actionable intelligence and subsequently repatriated the 52-year-old to Nigeria.
- In February 2024, operatives intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in metal-cutting machines at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the largest single consignment ever recorded there, leading to Ibewuike being declared wanted.
- NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa stated the suspect spent two years "hiding under a change of name and a new life abroad" while allegedly operating a hotel business in Mozambique as a front.
- Investigations into the syndicate led to the recovery of 51.90kg of heroin total, while authorities froze 107 bank accounts and forfeited properties linked to the cartel to disrupt its financial infrastructure.
- Further scrutiny revealed Ibewuike's prior association with a 40.255kg methamphetamine seizure in a case presided over by Judge Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, while three other suspects remain on trial for their roles.
16 Articles
16 Articles
NDLEA arrests fugitive kingpin linked to 49.7kg heroin shipment
By Kingsley Omonobi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had been on the run for more than two years following the interception of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos. The NDLEA disclosed this […]
NDLEA arrests, repatriates fugitive drug kingpin over 49.7kg heroin seizure
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had evaded arrest for more than two years following the interception of the largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi […] NDLEA arrests, repatriates fugitive drug kingpin over 49.7kg heroin se…
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