The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the arrest and repatriation of Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, after more than two years on the run.
The NDLEA links Ibewuike to the 49.70-kilogram heroin consignment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in February 2024, which the agency describes as the largest single heroin seizure recorded at the airport.
According to the agency, the drugs were concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines. Several alleged members of the syndicate were subsequently prosecuted, while Ibewuike and others were charged in absentia.
The agency said intelligence led to his arrest at Cotonou airport in Benin Republic on September 2. Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL authorities subsequently facilitated his transfer into NDLEA custody.
NDLEA said the wider investigation had previously resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the syndicate.
Ibewuike is expected to face the pending criminal proceedings against him in Nigeria.
Source: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
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