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 interception of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said that 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.
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The suspect was, thereafter, conveyed to Nigeria to face trial over his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking syndicate.
Ibewuike is 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 has been described as the single largest heroin consignment ever intercepted at the Lagos international airport.
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 arraigned 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.
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.
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He added that the arrests demonstrate the agency’s determination to pursue suspects involved in illicit drug trafficking regardless of how long they remain at large or where they fled to.
“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 are 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.
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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