NDLEA Repatriates Drug Kingpin Festus Ibewuike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the arrest and repatriation of suspected drug kingpin Festus Ibewuike from Benin Republic. Ibewuike, 52, had been on the run for over two years following a 49.70kg heroin seizure at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in February 2024.

He was apprehended in Cotonou on September 2, 2026, through collaboration between the NDLEA and INTERPOL. After the heroin consignment was intercepted, Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique, operating a hotel business as a front.

The NDLEA's investigation led to the arrest of key members of his drug syndicate, including his wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike. The operation resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel.

Ibewuike confirmed his identity during the investigation and had previously been linked to another drug-related case. He was taken to the NDLEA's Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where he identified the heroin parcels associated with him.