Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated alleged drug kingpin Festus Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years after the interception of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who described the arrest as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the drug trafficking network linked to the seizure.
Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration between INTERPOL offices in Nigeria and Benin Republic. NDLEA operatives subsequently took custody of him and returned him to Nigeria.
The 52-year-old suspect had relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business, and allegedly travelled between the country and Nigeria through Benin Republic while evading arrest.
The 49.70kg heroin was intercepted in February 2024 after a 12-day operation by operatives of the NDLEA Strategic Command at the Lagos airport. The drugs were concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines.
The operation led to the arrest of several members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike. The investigation also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and forfeiture of properties linked to the network.
Three suspects, Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline, have been convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos. Three others, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial, while Ibewuike and two other suspects were charged in absentia.
During preliminary questioning, Ibewuike confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. On September 5, he was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he identified parcels of heroin bearing the code “ND”, which the agency said were linked to him.
The NDLEA also said further investigation linked Ibewuike to an earlier drug case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The case involved a suspect identified as Chidi Ihedioha, who was convicted in 2023.
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the development demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue fleeing drug suspects.
“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. 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 commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their cooperation in securing Ibewuike’s arrest, transfer of custody and return to Nigeria.
