The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years following the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Ibewuike, 52, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration between the NDLEA and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
According to the NDLEA, the suspect had relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business allegedly as a front, and travelled between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest.
The agency said its operatives, during a coordinated 12-day operation in February 2024, intercepted what it described as the single largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the MMIA.
The 49.70kg consignment was concealed in cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The operation led to the arrest of several members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The NDLEA said the operation also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the cartel.
The suspects were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three suspects, Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline, have so far been convicted and sentenced by the court.
Three others, identified as Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial.
The agency said three other suspects, Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest; Osita Chidozie Cyril; and one Arinze, were charged in absentia.
Ibewuike’s two-year flight from justice ended after he was arrested at the Cotonou airport on September 2.
The NDLEA said it worked with INTERPOL’s National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to facilitate his handover to a team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4.
He was subsequently brought back to Nigeria to face prosecution over his alleged role in the trafficking syndicate.
During preliminary interviews, Ibewuike reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the suspect was taken to the NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified the parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code, which the agency said had been linked to him.
The NDLEA further disclosed that Ibewuike Festus had previously been associated with another drug-related case before the Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.
The case, marked FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.
Reacting to the arrest, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the development as a breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.
Marwa said, “This arrest is a 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.”
He added, “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.”
According to him, “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.”
Marwa warned other suspects still at large that the agency would continue to pursue them.
“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.
The NDLEA chairman commended the multinational cooperation that facilitated the arrest and transfer of the suspect, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus.
The statement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
