By Lizzy Chirkpi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years following the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after operatives of the NDLEA MMIA Strategic Command, during a 12-day operation in February 2024, intercepted the consignment concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The NDLEA described the seizure as the single largest consignment of heroin ever intercepted at the airport.
The investigation led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The operation also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the cartel.
The suspects were subsequently charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Charge No. FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three of the suspects — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have since been convicted and sentenced by the court.
Others — Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene — are still standing trial, while three suspects, including Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and one Arinze, were charged in absentia.
According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business as a front and repeatedly travelled between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest.
His flight reportedly ended following actionable intelligence that led to his arrest at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The agency said it worked with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his handover to a team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4.
He was subsequently conveyed to Nigeria to face trial 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 Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where he formally identified parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code, which the agency said had been established to be linked to him.
Further investigation also revealed that Ibewuike had previously been associated with another drug-related case before the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.
The case, filed as Charge No. FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.
“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 also commended the multinational cooperation that led to the suspect’s arrest and repatriation, particularly the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, for their role in ensuring a smooth transfer of custody.