The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency 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 interception of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The NDLEA said Ibewuike was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after operatives intercepted the heroin shipment during a 12-day operation in February 2024.
The 49.70kg consignment, described by the agency as the single largest heroin seizure recorded at the airport, was concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The operation led to the arrest of several members of the alleged drug syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who the agency said routinely received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The NDLEA also froze 107 bank accounts and secured the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the cartel.
Suspects convicted over heroin shipment
The arrested suspects were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
The agency said three suspects have so far been convicted and sentenced by the court. They are Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline.
Three other defendants — Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene — are still standing trial.
Three others, including Ibewuike, were charged in absentia. The other two are Osita Chidozie Cyril and a suspect identified as Arinze.
Arrest ends two-year manhunt
According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business as a cover while allegedly moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic to evade arrest.
His period on the run ended after actionable intelligence led to his arrest at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The agency said it worked with INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his handover.
A team of NDLEA operatives travelled to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, to take custody of Ibewuike before conveying him to Nigeria to face charges over his alleged role in the trafficking syndicate.
During preliminary interviews, the 52-year-old suspect 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 he formally identified the parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code, which the agency said were linked to him.
Linked to previous drug case
Further investigation also linked Ibewuike to another drug-related case before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The case, with charge number FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and was presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.
The NDLEA said the case involved one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.
Marwa vows to pursue fleeing suspects
Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.
Marwa said the arrest demonstrated that suspects who flee Nigeria to evade prosecution would not remain beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“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 the agency would continue to pursue suspects involved in the illicit drug trade regardless of how long they remained at large or where they fled.
“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,” Marwa said.
“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.”
Marwa warned other fleeing suspects that the agency would continue its efforts until they were brought to justice.
“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 added.
The NDLEA chairman also commended the multinational cooperation that led to the arrest, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for facilitating the transfer of custody.
The statement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.