The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had remained at large for more than two years after authorities intercepted the largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Ibewuike reportedly moved to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business as a cover, after being declared wanted and charged in absentia alongside two other suspects.
His arrest followed a coordinated 12-day operation by NDLEA operatives at the MMIA Strategic Command in February 2024, during which 49.70kg of heroin was discovered concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.
The operation resulted in the arrest of several members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who investigators said regularly received parcels containing drugs and marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
Authorities also froze 107 bank accounts and secured the forfeiture of properties allegedly connected to the syndicate.
The suspects were charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, under 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, remain on trial, while three suspects charged in absentia are Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze.
For more than two years, Ibewuike allegedly moved between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an effort to evade arrest.
His run reportedly ended after actionable intelligence led to his arrest at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The NDLEA subsequently worked with INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin to facilitate his handover to NDLEA officers deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4. He was later brought back to Nigeria to face proceedings over his alleged involvement in the trafficking network.
During preliminary questioning, the 52-year-old confirmed his identity and reportedly 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 heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code, which investigators said were linked to him.
Further investigations also linked Ibewuike Festus to an earlier drug case before the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari, involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine.
The case, filed under charge number FHC/L/203C/2013, involved a suspect identified as Chidi Ihedioha, who was convicted by the court in 2023.
Reacting to the latest development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a significant achievement in the agency’s efforts to apprehend suspected drug kingpins who flee the country.
“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: “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. 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.”
Marwa also commended the multinational cooperation that facilitated the arrest and transfer, particularly the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in Nigeria and Benin Republic, for helping ensure the successful handover of the suspect.
