NDLEA arrest fugitive drug kingpin 2 years after over 49.70kg heroin

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a 52-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, after more than two years on the run following the interception of 49.70 kilogrammes of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Ibewuike, who allegedly relocated to Mozambique and operated a hotel business as a cover, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration between Nigerian and Beninese authorities.

He was subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, 2026 and brought back to Nigeria to face prosecution over his alleged role in the trafficking syndicate.

The NDLEA said Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after its operatives intercepted the 49.70kg heroin consignment in February 2024.

The consignment, described by the agency as the single largest heroin seizure ever recorded at the MMIA, was concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.

The operation, which lasted 12 days, also led to the arrest of several members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.

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

Several members of the syndicate have since faced trial 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.

Three others—Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene—are still standing trial.

Meanwhile, three suspects charged in absentia were Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest; Osita Chidozie Cyril; and Arinze.

According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike spent more than two years moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic, allegedly in an effort to evade arrest.

His arrest followed intelligence-led operations and collaboration with INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin Republic, which facilitated his transfer into NDLEA custody.

During preliminary interviews, the 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 parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code, which the agency said had been linked to him.

Further investigation also revealed that Ibewuike had previously been associated with another drug case before the Federal High Court in Lagos involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine.

The case, filed under charge number FHC/L/203C/2013, was presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari and involved one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted in 2023.

Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s campaign against fleeing drug kingpins.

Marwa vowed that the agency would continue to pursue suspects who flee the country to escape prosecution.

“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 warned other fleeing suspects still at large that the agency would not relent until they were brought to justice.

Marwa also commended the multinational cooperation that led to Ibewuike’s arrest and repatriation, particularly the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin Republic.

The arrest effectively closes a major chapter in the NDLEA’s pursuit of the alleged masterminds behind the record 49.70kg heroin seizure at Lagos airport.