KEY POINTS

• NDLEA arrests Festus Ibewuike in Benin Republic.
• He is linked to 49.70kg heroin seized in Lagos.
• 107 bank accounts and cartel properties were frozen.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested and repatriated a wanted suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from the Benin Republic to Nigeria, more than two years after he allegedly fled the country following a major heroin seizure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Ibewuike, 52, was arrested in Cotonou on September 2, 2026, following intelligence and a joint operation involving the NDLEA and the Nigerian and Beninese offices of INTERPOL.

The agency said the arrest brings to an end Ibewuike’s prolonged attempt to evade prosecution over a 49.70kg heroin consignment allegedly linked to his network.

According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike left Nigeria after the agency intercepted the heroin shipment at the Lagos airport in February 2024.

Investigators said he subsequently relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business that served as a cover while he continued to evade law enforcement.

The agency also alleged that Ibewuike moved between Mozambique and Nigeria, using neighbouring Benin Republic as part of his route in an effort to avoid arrest.

His movements reportedly came under renewed scrutiny after investigators obtained actionable intelligence that enabled the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL offices to coordinate his arrest in Cotonou.

Following his arrest by the NDLEA, Ibewuike was transferred to Nigeria to face charges connected to the seized heroin.

49.70kg heroin hidden in machinery cartons

The NDLEA described the 49.70kg heroin seizure as the largest single heroin interception recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The consignment was allegedly concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines and intercepted at the airport’s Import Shed.

The investigation that followed lasted 12 days and resulted in the arrest of several people allegedly connected to the drug network.

Among those arrested was Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike, who the NDLEA alleged received parcels containing drugs on behalf of her husband.

The parcels were reportedly marked with the code “ND”, which investigators said was linked to the network.

The agency said its investigation also led to the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly connected to the cartel.

The NDLEA said several people connected to the case have already faced prosecution.

Three suspects, Augustine Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline, have been convicted and sentenced, according to the agency.

Three others, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiama Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial.

The case was filed before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, under charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.