By Elizabeth Tanko
Lagos, Nigeria – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a fugitive drug kingpin who has been on the run for over two years in connection with the largest heroin seizure ever recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The 52-year-old suspect was picked up on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Cotonou Airport in Benin Republic and handed over to NDLEA operatives on Friday, September 4, following intelligence coordination with INTERPOL Nigeria and Benin Republic. He was flown into Nigeria on Saturday, September 5.
Ibewuike was declared wanted in February 2024 after NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command, in a 12-day operation, intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.
The consignment remains the single largest heroin seizure at MMIA. The bust also led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including his wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who investigators said routinely received drug parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The Agency also froze 107 bank accounts and secured the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel.
Ibewuike and two others were charged in absentia before Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge no. FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three suspects have already been convicted and sentenced, Adinnu Felix Chinedu; Osita Emmanuel Obinna; and Uzochukwu Frankline. Three others are still standing trial Chidiebere Reginald Peter; Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence; and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene.
For over two years, Ibewuike evaded arrest by shuttling between Mozambique, where he ran a hotel as a front, and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.
During preliminary interrogation, he confirmed his identity and admitted changing his name from Chidibest to Festus Ibewuike. On September 5, he was taken to NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code linked to him.
Investigations also linked him to a previous drug case before Hon. Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari of the Federal High Court, Lagos, charge no. FHC/L/203C/2013, involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. One Chidi Ihedioha was convicted in that case in 2023.
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described it as a major breakthrough in the Agency’s manhunt for fleeing drug barons.
“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.
“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.”
The NDLEA boss warned other fleeing suspects, “This should serve as a fresh warning to those still at large, the Agency will not relent until every one of you is brought to book.”
Marwa commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their role in facilitating the smooth transfer of custody.
The case has been returned to the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, for continuation of trial.
