LAGOS — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has brought back Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, a drug kingpin who had been on the run for more than two years. Ibewuike was arrested at Cotonou Airport, Benin Republic, on 2nd September 2026 and handed over to NDLEA operatives on 4th September through the collaboration of INTERPOL Nigeria and Benin. He is wanted in connection with the 49.70kg heroin intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in February 2024 — the largest single heroin seizure ever recorded at the airport.
The February 2024 operation by NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command lasted 12 days and uncovered heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the cargo terminal. Ibewuike had fled to Mozambique where he ran a hotel as cover. His wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, was arrested for receiving drug parcels marked “ND” on his behalf. The case also led to the freezing of 107 bank accounts and seizure of assets linked to the cartel. Three members of the syndicate — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have been convicted and sentenced, while three others are still on trial. On 5th September, Ibewuike identified exhibits bearing the “ND” code at NDLEA’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi. Investigations further linked him to a 2013 methamphetamine seizure of 40.255kg.
Reacting to the repatriation, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) called it a major breakthrough in the Agency’s crackdown on fleeing drug barons. “This arrest sends a clear message: no matter how far you run or how long you hide, the long arm of the NDLEA will catch up with you,” Marwa said. He lauded the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL bureaus for their role in the smooth transfer and warned other fugitives that the Agency remains determined to bring every suspect to justice.
