NDLEA TRACKS DOWN FUGITIVE KINGPIN OVER RECORD 49.70kg HEROIN HAUL

NDLEA TRACKS DOWN FUGITIVE KINGPIN OVER RECORD 49.70kg HEROIN HAUL 



By Jennifer Nwosu 


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 after being linked to the largest heroin consignment ever intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

In a statement released Wednesday by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA said Ibewuike was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Sept. 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and cooperation between INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin. A team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Sept. 4 took custody of the suspect and returned him to Nigeria to face prosecution.

Ibewuike, 52, had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a cover while moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic to evade arrest. He was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia following the February 2024 interception of 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the MMIA cargo terminal.

The 12-day operation also led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike's wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code "ND" on his behalf. The NDLEA also froze 107 bank accounts and secured the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel.

Those charged before Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge No. FHC/L/205C/2024 include Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, Uzochukwu Frankline, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene.

Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline have been convicted and sentenced. Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene remain on trial, while Ibewuike Festus, Osita Chidozie Cyril and Arinze were charged in absentia.

During preliminary interviews, Ibewuike confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. On Sept. 5, he was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified the heroin parcels bearing the "ND" code linked to his network.

Further investigation linked Ibewuike to an earlier drug case before the Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Hon. Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari. The case, FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and one Chidi Ihedioha, who was convicted in 2023.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency's pursuit of fleeing drug kingpins. He reaffirmed that suspects who flee the country or adopt new identities would not escape prosecution.

Marwa commended the multinational cooperation that facilitated the arrest, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, and stressed that the NDLEA would continue pursuing fugitives until they are brought to justice.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL SAGAMU HOLDS MAIDEN PASSING OUT PARADE, HONOURS EXCELLENCE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY

Image
POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL SAGAMU HOLDS MAIDEN PASSING OUT PARADE, HONOURS EXCELLENCE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY  By Jennifer Nwosu  Discipline, academic achievement and character took centre stage as Police Secondary School, Oke-Ibu, Batoro, Sagamu, held its' maiden Passing-Out Parade, Graduation Ceremony and Prize-Giving Day, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history. The event opened with a colourful march past by students, followed by the passing-out parade of the graduating class and a ceremonial guard of honour. The reviewing officer, representing the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, Area Commander of Sagamu Area Command, ACP Aremu Olusola, inspected the parade and took the salute. The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Pastor Alex, Coordinator of Student Outreach, Sagamu Zone. Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Olusola congratulated the graduating students and urged them to re...
Read more

POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT OGUN CP AS CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE

Image
POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT OGUN CP AS CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE  By Jennifer Nwosu  The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, joined students of Police Secondary School, Sagamu, in celebrating the 2026 Children’s Day, describing children as the future leaders whose education, discipline and moral upbringing remain vital to national development. In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the students, accompanied by the school’s Commandant, CSP Nanloh Rindap and members of the management team, paid a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the annual celebration. During the visit, CSP Nanloh Rindap praised the Commissioner of Police for his leadership and support toward the welfare and development of students within the Police community. Student representative, Oluwadarasimi Adeyemo, also appreciated ...
Read more

FOB FORMOSO RALLIES PERSONNEL, HOST COMMUNITIES FOR Q2 ROUTE MARCH IN BRASS

Image
FOB FORMOSO RALLIES PERSONNEL, HOST COMMUNITIES FOR Q2 ROUTE MARCH IN BRASS By Jennifer Nwosu  Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, Nigerian Navy, held its' Second Quarter Route March on Saturday, June 27, 2026, across Egweama and Liama Communities in Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, in line with the Navy’s 2026 training calendar. The exercise focused on keeping personnel physically fit and operationally prepared. Officers, ratings, NYSC members posted to the Basenand local security personnel turned out in large numbers, reflecting strong civil-military collaboration.  The Commanding Officer, Capt. SK Haruna, praised the turnout and commitment, saying route marches build endurance, sustain combat readiness and ensure swift response to operational demands. He also lauded the NYSC members and community security teams, describing their involvement as a sign of the cordial relationship between the Base and its' hosts. The march closed in high spirits with three hearty cheers for t...
Read more