NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin Linked to 49.70kg Heroin Shipment

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had been on the run for more than two years over his alleged involvement in a 49.70kg heroin shipment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement signed by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency said Ibewuike was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration between the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus. The 52-year-old suspect was among three persons declared wanted and charged in absentia after NDLEA operatives intercepted what the agency described as the largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Lagos airport in February 2024.

The 49.70kg heroin was concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal. The operation also led to the arrest of several 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 NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the cartel were frozen, while properties associated with the syndicate were forfeited.

Following his arrest in Benin Republic, Ibewuike was handed over to NDLEA operatives and brought back to Nigeria on September 4 to face prosecution. He subsequently identified himself and confirmed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. The agency said he also formally identified the heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code during a visit to its Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5.

Three suspects in the case—Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline—have been convicted and sentenced, while three others remain on trial before the Federal High Court in Lagos.Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described it as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug traffickers.

Marwa vowed that the agency would continue to pursue suspects who flee the country, saying Ibewuike’s arrest demonstrated that “the long arm of the NDLEA” would eventually catch up with those involved in illicit drug trafficking.He commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL bureaus for their cooperation in securing the suspect’s transfer to Nigeria.