Festus Ibewuike Arrested in Benin Republic Over 49.70kg Heroin Seizure at Lagos Airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated 52-year-old Festus Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had been on the run for more than two years over his alleged involvement in the trafficking of 49.70kg of heroin.
Ibewuike was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following intelligence sharing and cooperation between Nigerian and Beninese authorities.
The NDLEA said the suspect had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a front while travelling between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic to evade arrest.
He was handed over to NDLEA operatives in Cotonou on September 4 and subsequently brought to Nigeria to face charges over his alleged role in a major drug trafficking syndicate.
49.70kg Heroin Seizure
Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after an NDLEA operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in February 2024.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal. The agency described it as the largest single heroin consignment seized at the airport.
Investigations led to the arrest of several alleged syndicate members, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who the agency said received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the syndicate were frozen and properties allegedly connected to the cartel forfeited.
Three suspects have so far been convicted and sentenced, while three others remain on trial. Ibewuike and two other suspects were charged in absentia.
Suspect Identifies Heroin Parcels
During preliminary questioning after his return to Nigeria, Ibewuike reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
On September 5, he was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the agency said he identified heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code allegedly linked to him.
The agency also said investigations revealed his previous involvement in another drug-related case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine.
Marwa: We Will Not Relent
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to track down suspected drug kingpins who flee Nigeria.
Marwa said leaving the country or changing identities would not shield drug suspects from prosecution.
“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,” he said.
He commended the cooperation between the Nigerian and Beninese authorities, particularly their INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, and warned other suspects still at large that the agency would continue to pursue them.
The NDLEA said investigations into the case are ongoing.