National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and brought back to Nigeria Festus Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin linked to the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in February 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence. The NDLEA subsequently worked with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin to facilitate his handover to Nigerian operatives on September 4.
The agency said the 52-year-old suspect had been on the run for more than two years and had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a cover. He was reportedly travelling between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic to evade law enforcement.
The 49.70kg heroin consignment was concealed in cartons containing metal-cutting machines and intercepted at the cargo terminal of the Lagos airport during a 12-day operation in February 2024. The NDLEA described it as the largest single heroin consignment ever intercepted at the airport.
Several members of the alleged syndicate were arrested, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ibewuike, who the agency said received drug-laden parcels on his behalf. NDLEA also froze 107 bank accounts and secured the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the cartel.
Three suspects have so far been convicted and sentenced, while three others remain on trial. Ibewuike and two other suspects had been charged in absentia.
Following his return to Nigeria, Ibewuike allegedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. He was later taken to the NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, where the agency said he identified the heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa described the arrest as a major breakthrough, warning that the agency would continue to pursue drug traffickers who flee the country.
He 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.”
