The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested and returned to Nigeria a suspected drug kingpin allegedly linked to the importation of 49.70kg of heroin seized at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2024.
The 52-year-old suspect, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence that enabled security operatives to track him down.
The development was disclosed by the NDLEA in a statement signed by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the agency, Ibewuike had been declared wanted after operatives intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed inside cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the MMIA cargo terminal in February 2024.
The seizure followed a 12-day operation that uncovered an alleged trafficking network and led to the arrest of several members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike.
The agency alleged that the suspect’s wife routinely received parcels containing illicit drugs on his behalf, with the consignments bearing the code “ND.”
Following the seizure and arrests, the NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the suspected cartel were frozen, while properties allegedly connected to the operation were also forfeited.
However, Ibewuike reportedly managed to evade arrest and relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business as a cover while moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic.
His escape eventually came to an end in Cotonou, where the NDLEA said intelligence-led efforts resulted in his arrest.
Following his arrest, the agency said it worked with the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his return to the country.
“A team of NDLEA operatives” was subsequently deployed to Cotonou on September 4 to take custody of the suspect and convey him back to Nigeria.
Upon his return, Ibewuike was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where the agency said he formally identified the heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code, which investigators had established were linked to him.
The agency further disclosed that Ibewuike had been charged in absentia alongside other suspects before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
It said three suspects—Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline—had already been convicted and sentenced, while Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene remain on trial.
The NDLEA added that during preliminary interviews, the arrested suspect confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to prevent wanted drug suspects from escaping justice by fleeing the country.
Marwa said, “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 added, “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 also commended the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin Republic for their cooperation in facilitating the suspect’s transfer of custody and eventual return to Nigeria.
