The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from Benin Republic after more than two years on the run.

Ibewuike, 52, was arrested in Cotonou on September 2, 2026, following a joint operation involving the NDLEA and INTERPOL offices in Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The suspect was reportedly wanted in connection with the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in February 2024.

According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike fled Nigeria after the seizure and relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a cover for his activities. He was also said to have moved between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic while evading arrest.

The agency said the 49.70kg heroin shipment was concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the airport’s Import Shed. It described the seizure as the largest single heroin seizure recorded at the airport.

The investigation into the drug network led to the arrest of several suspects, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.

The NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the syndicate were frozen, while properties connected to the cartel were also forfeited.

Three suspects, Augustine Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline have been convicted and sentenced, while three others remain on trial. Ibewuike was among those charged in absentia.

Following his return to Nigeria, the suspect was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where he reportedly identified heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code as being linked to him.

Further investigation also linked Ibewuike to an earlier drug case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. The case, which involved another suspect, Chidi Idiohia, resulted in a conviction in 2023.

The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described Ibewuike’s arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to apprehend fleeing drug traffickers.

Marwa said the arrest demonstrated that suspects who flee the country cannot remain beyond the reach of Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

He commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their cooperation in locating the suspect and facilitating his return to Nigeria.

Ibewuike is expected to face charges relating to the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his alleged drug network.