The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike.
Festus, a suspected drug kingpin who evaded arrest for more than two years after authorities intercepted 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
According to the NDLEA press release, Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a front while travelling between Mozambique, Nigeria and neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
The agency declared him wanted after its MMIA Strategic Command intercepted the heroin consignment during a 12-day operation in February 2024. Operatives found the 49.70kg of heroin concealed inside cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.
However, the interception further led to the arrest of other members of the alleged syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who the agency accused of receiving drug laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf. Report highlight that the investigation also prompted the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the cartel. While the suspects faced prosecution before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, under charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
The court has convicted and sentenced three suspects: Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline.
Three others _ Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene remain on trial. While authorities charged Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified as Arinze in absentia.
After more than two years on the run, actionable intelligence led to Ibewuike’s arrest at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026. The NDLEA worked with INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate his handover to its operatives, who arrived in Cotonou on September 4.
The operatives subsequently brought Ibewuike back to Nigeria to face prosecution over his alleged role in the trafficking syndicate. During preliminary interviews, the 52-year-old suspect reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike. The agency also linked Ibewuike to an earlier drug related case before the Federal High Court in Lagos involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. The case, which involved a suspect identified as Chidi Ihedioha, ended in a conviction in 2023.
Reacting to the arrest, 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 kingpins.
“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,” Marwa said.
He added:
“As I have always vowed, 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 said Ibewuike had spent more than two years evading authorities by changing his name and establishing a new life abroad, but had now returned to Nigeria to answer questions over the 49.70kg heroin seizure allegedly linked to his network.
He warned other suspects still at large that the agency would continue pursuing them until they faced the law.
The NDLEA chairman also commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their cooperation in facilitating Ibewuike’s transfer of custody.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
