The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and brought back to Nigeria the suspected kingpin behind the 49.70kg heroin shipment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in 2024.
The agency disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The suspect, 52-year-old Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following actionable intelligence.
According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike had been moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through Benin Republic in an attempt to evade arrest. The agency said he had relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business as a cover.
Following his arrest, the NDLEA collaborated with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his return to the country.
A team of NDLEA operatives was subsequently deployed to Cotonou on September 4 to take custody of the suspect and convey him to Nigeria.
Ibewuike had been declared wanted after the NDLEA intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the MMIA cargo terminal in February 2024.
The seizure followed a 12-day operation that led to the arrest of several members of the alleged trafficking syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike.
The agency said the woman routinely received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on behalf of her husband.
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, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three suspects — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have been convicted and sentenced, while Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene are still standing trial.
Ibewuike, who was charged in absentia alongside Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze, later confirmed his identity during preliminary interviews with investigators.
He also told the investigators that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
The NDLEA said the suspect was taken to its Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where he formally identified the parcels of heroin bearing the “ND” code as being linked to him.
Reacting to the arrest, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to apprehend fleeing drug suspects.
Marwa said, “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.
“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.”
Marwa commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their roles in facilitating the transfer of the suspect to Nigerian authorities.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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