The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and brought back to Nigeria a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years over his alleged connection to a 49.70kg heroin shipment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in 2024.
Ibewuike, 52, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration involving the Nigerian and Beninese offices of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
According to the NDLEA, the suspect was subsequently handed over to its operatives in Cotonou on September 4 before being returned to Nigeria to face prosecution.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The case dates back to February 2024, when NDLEA operatives intercepted 45 blocks of high-grade heroin weighing 49.70kg at the SAHCO Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The drugs were concealed inside 15 cartons of 2,300-watt metal-cutting machines. Investigations later uncovered an organised trafficking network operating across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe and America.
The operation subsequently led to additional arrests and the recovery of another 2.2kg of heroin at a warehouse in the Ayobo area of Lagos, bringing the total quantity recovered in the investigation to 51.90kg.
The NDLEA said Ibewuike had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business while attempting to evade arrest. Investigators also alleged that he travelled between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.
Following his return to Nigeria, the suspect was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where the agency said he identified heroin parcels bearing the “ND” marking allegedly linked to the trafficking network.
The agency further said preliminary questioning indicated that Ibewuike had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
The investigation into the syndicate had earlier resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts linked to members of the group, while properties allegedly connected to the network were also targeted for forfeiture.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down suspected drug barons who flee the country.
He commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL offices for their cooperation in facilitating the suspect’s arrest and transfer.
The NDLEA said the arrest demonstrates that fleeing the country does not place suspected drug traffickers beyond the reach of law enforcement.
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