NDLEA arrests fugitive drug kingpin linked to 49.70kg heroin haul

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years over his alleged involvement in a 49.70kg heroin seizure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Ibewuike was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following intelligence-led efforts by the NDLEA and cooperation with INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin.

The suspect was handed over to NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, and subsequently brought back to Nigeria to face charges over his alleged role in the trafficking network.

The 52-year-old was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after NDLEA operatives intercepted the heroin shipment at the airport cargo terminal in February 2024.

The consignment, weighing 49.70kg, was concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines and was described by the agency as the largest single heroin seizure recorded at the Lagos airport.

The operation also 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 marked with the code “ND” on behalf of her husband.

The NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the investigation were frozen, while properties allegedly connected to the cartel were also forfeited.

Three suspects — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have since been convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Three others, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, remain on trial, while Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze were initially charged in absentia.

According to the agency, Ibewuike had relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel as a cover while moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic to evade arrest.

During preliminary questioning, the suspect confirmed his identity and told investigators that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.

On September 5, he was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the agency said he identified parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code that had been linked to him.

The agency also said further investigation connected Ibewuike to an earlier drug case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

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 campaign against fleeing drug suspects.

“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 should serve as a warning to other suspects still at large.

“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,” he said.

Marwa also commended the cooperation between the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, saying their collaboration was crucial to securing Ibewuike’s transfer back to Nigeria.