The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a high-profile drug kingpin who had evaded capture for over two years after being linked to the largest heroin seizure ever recorded at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). The arrest took place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Cotonou International Airport in Benin Republic, following an intelligence-driven operation coordinated with INTERPOL and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and Benin. Ibewuike was handed over to NDLEA operatives on Friday, September 4, marking the end of his prolonged evasion of justice.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, confirmed the development in a statement released on Wednesday. He revealed that Ibewuike had fled to Mozambique after being declared wanted in February 2024, where he allegedly ran a hotel business as a front for his criminal activities. His escape came after a major 12-day operation by NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command intercepted 49.70kg of heroin hidden inside cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal. This seizure remains the biggest single consignment of heroin ever discovered in Nigeria.
The investigation led to the arrest of several key members of the drug syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who was accused of routinely receiving drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on her husband’s behalf. In addition, NDLEA froze 107 bank accounts and forfeited properties tied to the cartel. The suspects were charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, under charge number FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three individuals—Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, and Uzochukwu Frankline—have already been convicted and sentenced. Three others, including Chidiebere Reginald Peter and Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence, are currently on trial. Ibewuike, along with Osita Chidozie Cyril and one Arinze, were initially charged in absentia. For more than two years, Ibewuike moved between Mozambique and Nigeria via Benin Republic, attempting to avoid detection by authorities.
His capture was made possible through actionable intelligence gathered by NDLEA, which collaborated closely with INTERPOL and Benin Republic law enforcement. The successful repatriation underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational drug trafficking and holding fugitive criminals accountable. This development is expected to send a strong message to other drug traffickers operating across borders, reinforcing regional cooperation in the fight against narcotics.
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