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NDLEA Arrests, Repatriates Nigerian Drug Kingpin in Benin Rep wanted over 49.70kg Heroin

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–Suspect changed name, moved from country to country before arrest

By Nick Ibe, Abuja

A suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, on the run for more than two years following the interception of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagoshe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, in a statement on Wednesday, said Ibewuike was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence.

Babafemi said the suspect was subsequently handed over to a team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4.

He said the agency worked in collaboration with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate Ibewuike’s transfer.

The suspect was thereafter conveyed to Nigeria to face trial over his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking syndicate.

Ibewuike was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after NDLEA operatives at the MMIA Strategic Command intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.

The seizure was made during a coordinated 12-day operation in February 2024.

The NDLEA said Ibewuike had remained at large for more than two years before his arrest and subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.

The seizure was described as the single largest heroin consignment ever intercepted at the Lagos international airport.

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The operation also led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly routinely received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.

The investigation further resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the drug trafficking cartel.

Those arrested were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.

Three of the suspects have so far been convicted and sentenced by the court. They are Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline.

Three other suspects are still standing trial before the court. They are Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene.

The three suspects charged in absentia are Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest; Osita Chidozie Cyril; and one Arinze.

For more than two years, Ibewuike allegedly evaded arrest by moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.

The NDLEA said actionable intelligence eventually led to his arrest at the Cotonou airport, ending his long period as a fugitive.

During preliminary interviews, the 52-year-old suspect reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, he was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified the parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code, which the investigation had established were linked to him.

Further investigation also revealed that Ibewuike Festus had previously been associated with another drug-related case before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

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The earlier case, charge number FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and was presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.

The case involved one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.

Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the development as a major breakthrough in the Agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.

“This arrest is a major breakthrough in our resolve to track down and bring to justice every drug baron who thinks that fleeing Nigeria’s shores puts them beyond the reach of the law,” Marwa said.

He added that the arrest demonstrated the Agency’s determination to pursue suspects involved in illicit drug trafficking regardless of how long they remained at large or where they fled.

“As I have always vowed, the long arm of the NDLEA will catch up with anyone involved in this illicit trade, no matter how long it takes or how far they run. Festus Ibewuike ran for over two years, hiding under a change of name and a new life abroad, but today he is back in Nigeria to answer for the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his network,” he said.

Marwa warned other fleeing suspects still at large that the Agency would continue its pursuit until they were brought before the law.

“This should serve as a fresh warning to fleeing suspects still at large: the Agency will not relent until every one of you is brought to book,” he said.

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The NDLEA chairman commended the multinational cooperation that led to the breakthrough, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their role in ensuring a smooth transfer of custody.

The arrest further underscores the NDLEA’s continuing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria’s borders and bring their key operators to justice.

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Mother Subjects Daughter to Abuse, Admits: “I made $300 from my 8-yr-old daughter’s pornographic video’

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By Nick Ibe

The viral video on the social media involving an 8-year old girl whose ordeal was caused by her money loving mother has been arrested.

The arrest was facilitated by vigilante police operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation leading to the arrest of her 36-year-old mother, Anulika Onyeanusia, Onitsha, Anambra state.

According to the police, the Anambra State Police Command arrested her over alleged child pornography in Onitsha, by uploading a video involving her eight-year-old daughter on a pornographic platform to make money.

Onyeanusia, after the arrest, reportedly, told investigators that the highest amount she had made from uploading such content was $300.

The suspect also disclosed that the eight-year-old girl seen in the video is her second child, while preliminary investigation by the police allegedly revealed that she had also subjected her first daughter to similar acts and uploaded the content on a pornographic platform.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly blamed the act on the devil, telling police: “It is the devil, please forgive me” while adding that her husband was unaware of what she had allegedly been doing to their two daughters.

The arrest followed the circulation of a video showing the woman allegedly using sex toys on the eight-year-old girl. The video prompted police operatives to act on what the command described as open-source intelligence and traced the suspect.

In the disturbing footage, the girl could be heard crying and pleading with her mother to stop as the alleged abuse continued. The police said the video showed the suspect allegedly engaging in the act while apparently producing the content for an online audience.

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During the operation, which was carried out on Thursday evening, the command said four children, aged two, three, six and nine years, were rescued.

The Police also disclosed that sex toys and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation were recovered from the suspect.

The command said investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other persons were involved.

Spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect and rescue of the children, said, ” The suspect is currently in police custody as the Command intensifies its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and the possible involvement of other persons. The husband of the suspect is also undergoing interrogation to determine whether he has any connection with the alleged offence.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, who is deeply disturbed by the alleged act, described it as unacceptable, particularly because it involves the exploitation and abuse of children who are incapable of protecting themselves. He has therefore directed a thorough and professional investigation while ensuring that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.

“To this end, the Command notes that beyond the investigation and prosecution, its priority is the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children.

“The Command will work with the appropriate child-protection and relevant support agencies to ensure that the victims receive the necessary care, protection, counselling and other support required for their recovery. Their identities and privacy will be protected throughout the process, and they will be treated with compassion and sensitivity.

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“The Command also commends the vigilante operatives in the area, as well as bloggers and residents who provided information that assisted the investigation and led to the arrest of the suspect”, he stated.

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Lawyer Assaulted by Police: NBA Gboko Branch Secures N500 Million General and Exemplary Damages in Makurdi Court

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By Our Reporter

In the pursuit of justice for a colleague, B. B. Iliamkondo, Esq., who was recently assaulted and battered by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gboko Branch, under the leadership of Felix Uwar, Esq., on Friday, 11th September, 2026 obtained judgement in favour of its member.

The facts which impregnated the suit that delivered the sweet victory are that, sometime in May, 2026, a client retained the legal services of B. B. Iliamkondo, Esq. to secure his bail at Koti-Mbaduku, Shangev-Ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

On arrival at the police outpost, the officer in-charge, one Inspector Terngu Ikyuur, demanded for money as a condition for the bail of the said client. Confused, the learned Iliamkondo, Esq. requested to know why he had to pay for bail when it was statutorily free of charge whereupon the police officer got infuriated and ordered him to vacate the police outpost immediately or face being implicated in his client’s cause. Mr. Iliamkondo then made to deliver his written application for the bail of his client but the officer instead seized him by the shirt, stalked him to the ground and cramped him into detention alongside his client and other inmates.

The following day, Inspector Terngu Ikyuur brought Mr. Iliamkondo out of the detention facility and forced him to carry on his head a bucket of faeces and urine passed over night by inmates. The officer compelled him to sing that he was a-charge- and-bail lawyer as he marched Mr. Iliamkondo around the community with a loaded gun pointed at his head all the while, threatening to kill him if he stopped marching.

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Upon the intervention of his learned friends, Iliamkondo was later released after being brutalized and stripped half-naked by the police Inspector. Aggrieved, the NBA Gboko Chairman, Uwar, Esq., quickly empanelled a team of lawyers to secure the enforcement of fundamental rights of their learned friend. The team had: I. S. Gese, Esq. ; F. M. Z. Uwar, Esq.; Bem-Ephraim Orlunan Ayati, Esq. ; T. I. Tur, Esq.; S.L.Puusu, Esq. ; B. I. Aker,Esq.; G. M. Jimin, Esq. ; S. S. Gbileve, Esq. ; C. M. T. Uwar, Esq. ; F. Tyoyima, Esq. ; B. E. Atser, Esq. ; and M. I. Tagher, Esq.

The team instituted SUIT NO: MHC/4110M / 2026 before the Benue State High Court of Justice, sitting at Makurdi with B. B. Iliamkondo, Esq. as the Applicant against Inspector Terngu Ikyuur; CSP Banfa U. Nanzing; Commissioner of Police, Benue State; Inspector General of Police; Police Service Commission; and Nigeria Police Force as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Respondents, respectively.

In his judgement delivered on September 11, 2026, Hon. Justice M. M. Ikwulono, upheld the application and entered judgement in favour of the Applicant, Agugu Iliamkondo Benson Bemsen, Esq.

The Court awarded general and exemplary damages in his favour and against the Respondents in the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500, 000,000.00) only for the violation of his fundamental rights by the police.

The Court also Ordered the police to author and publish an apology to the Applicant in national newspapers with nation-wide circulation, a copy of which shall be furnished to the Applicant.

But besides the court ruling, the NBA has reportedly caused a formal petition to be written against Inspector Terngu Ikyuur and his DPO, CSP Banfa U. Nanzing, for discreet disciplinary action against them.

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In their response to the outcome of the matter, the legal team said: “On our part as the legal team, we salute this judgement as sound in law, compensatory to our learned friend and deterrent against the police.

“We equally thank the Chairman of the Gboko Branch of the NBA, Uwar, Esq., under whose watch he ensured that our learned colleague’s humiliation got the justice that he deserves.”

At the time of filing this report, the NPF had yet to react to the judgment.

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Alia Denounces Ayilamo Attack, Commiserated With Victims as DSS Arrests 3 Suspects

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By Felix Umande

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has strongly condemned the deadly attack on Ayilamo Community in Logo Local Government Area, describing it as a “despicable act” and a grave threat to peace and security in the state.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday night, claimed the lives of four police officers and seven civilians, while thousands were displaced.

In a statement on Thursday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor said the killing of law enforcement officers “is particularly painful and underscores the enormous sacrifices being made by security personnel in the line of duty.”

“This despicable act is an attack on the peace-loving people of Ayilamo and a grave threat to the security and stability of Benue State,” Governor Alia stated.
He described the incident as “a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity and repeated attacks on vulnerable communities and law-enforcement officers in the area.”

Governor Alia extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Ayilamo, the families of all victims, and the entire Logo LGA community.

He also commiserated with the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police over the loss of the four officers.
“We honour their courage and sacrifice and pray that God grants their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the Governor added.

The Governor commended the Department of State Services for the “prompt and professional operation” that led to the arrest of three suspects allegedly connected to the Ayilamo attack in Benue and Nasarawa States.

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He described the arrests as “a significant step towards uncovering the full circumstances of the incident and bringing those responsible to justice.”

“We urge the DSS to intensify its investigation and make the best use of the information obtained from the suspects in its custody,” Governor Alia said.

Governor Alia assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with security agencies to strengthen security in Ayilamo, Logo, and other vulnerable communities across the state.

He appealed to residents of Ayilamo and surrounding areas to “remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding,” and to provide credible information to security agencies.

“We remain resolute in our determination to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and restore lasting peace across Benue State,” the Governor assured.

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