49.70kg Heroin: NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Kingpin After 2 Years

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 over his alleged involvement in a 49.70kg heroin trafficking operation.

Ibewuike, 52, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence and collaboration between the Nigerian and Beninese National Central Bureaus of INTERPOL.

He was subsequently handed over to a team of NDLEA operatives deployed to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, and conveyed to Nigeria to face trial over his alleged role in the trafficking syndicate.

The development followed the interception in February 2024 of 49.70kg of heroin at the Import Shed of the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos—the single largest heroin consignment intercepted at the airport.

According to the NDLEA, the drugs were concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines during a coordinated 12-day operation by operatives of the agency’s MMIA Strategic Command.

Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia following the operation.

The investigation also led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including his wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.

The agency said it also secured the freezing of 107 bank accounts and forfeiture of properties linked to the drug cartel.

Those arrested were subsequently prosecuted before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.

Three suspects: Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline—have so far been convicted and sentenced by the court.

Three others, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial, while Ibewuike Festus, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze were charged in absentia.

For more than two years, the NDLEA said, Ibewuike evaded arrest by moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.

In Mozambique, he allegedly operated a hotel business as a cover while attempting to remain beyond the reach of Nigerian law enforcement authorities.

Following his arrest and repatriation, Ibewuike reportedly confirmed his identity during preliminary interviews 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 linked to him.

Further investigations also uncovered an earlier drug-related case involving Ibewuike before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The case, charge number FHC/L/203C/2013, concerned the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and was presided over by Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari. One Chidi Ihedioha, who was linked to the case, was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.

Reacting to the latest breakthrough, NDLEA chairman and chief executive officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), said the arrest demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue drug trafficking suspects regardless of how long they remain at large.

Marwa described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down fleeing drug kingpins.

He said the arrest should send a strong message to suspects who believe that fleeing Nigeria would place them beyond the reach of the law.

According to him, the NDLEA would continue to pursue individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking until they are brought to justice.

The NDLEA chairman also commended the multinational cooperation that facilitated Ibewuike’s transfer from Benin Republic to Nigeria, particularly the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in both countries.

He said the successful operation underscored the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking networks.