The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had evaded arrest 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 an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and cooperation between the Nigerian and Beninese authorities.
The NDLEA said the suspect had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business as a front, while travelling between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest.
He was subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, before being conveyed to Nigeria to face charges over his alleged role in a major drug trafficking syndicate.
49.70kg heroin seizure
Ibewuike was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia following a 12-day operation by NDLEA operatives attached to the MMIA Strategic Command in February 2024.
The operation led to the interception of 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
According to the agency, the seizure was the single largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the airport.
The investigation led to the arrest of several members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who the agency said routinely received drug-laden parcels bearing the code “ND” on his behalf.
The NDLEA also said 107 bank accounts linked to the syndicate were frozen, while properties allegedly connected to the cartel were forfeited.
The suspects were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in 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. Three others; Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, remain on trial.
Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze were charged in absentia.
Suspect confirms identity
During preliminary interviews after his return to Nigeria, Ibewuike reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
On Saturday, September 5, he was taken to the NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the agency said he formally identified heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code that investigators had linked to him.
The NDLEA said further investigation also established that Ibewuike had previously been associated with another drug-related case before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The earlier case, heard by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine under charge number FHC/L/203C/2013. One Chidi Ihedioha was subsequently convicted in the case in 2023.
‘We will not relent’ — Marwa
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down suspected drug kingpins who flee the country.
Marwa said the arrest demonstrated that suspects could not escape prosecution simply by leaving Nigeria or changing their identities.
“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,” he said.
He added that Ibewuike’s arrest, after more than two years on the run, should serve as a warning to other suspects still at large.
“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,” Marwa said.
He commended the multinational cooperation that facilitated the arrest and transfer of the suspect, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus.
The NDLEA said investigations into the case are continuing.
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