The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from Benin Republic. This happened after the NDLEA drug suspect allegedly spent more than two years on the run.
According to The PUNCH, the NDLEA said Ibewuike was wanted in connection with a 49.70kg heroin consignment. The drugs were intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in February 2024. In fact, the NDLEA drug suspect was at large at the time of the seizure.
The 52-year-old was arrested in Cotonou following cooperation involving the NDLEA and INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin Republic. Ultimately, this cooperation was essential for bringing the NDLEA drug suspect into custody.
Agency traces suspect abroad
The NDLEA alleged that Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique after the heroin seizure. He operated a hotel business there as a cover.
Investigators continued tracking him before eventually locating him in Benin Republic.
His arrest ended a search that had continued for more than two years. Moreover, the NDLEA drug suspect is expected to face further questions upon his return to Nigeria.
Drug case returns to Nigeria
Following his detention in Cotonou, the suspect was returned to Nigeria to face further investigation over the intercepted heroin shipment.
The allegations against Ibewuike have not been determined by a court, and he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The NDLEA has continued to intensify cooperation with foreign law-enforcement agencies. They are working together to trace suspects accused of operating drug-trafficking networks across national borders.
