The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and returned to Nigeria a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, after more than two years on the run.
Ibewuike was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following intelligence received by the anti-narcotics agency.
According to a statement by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was handed over to NDLEA operatives in Cotonou on Friday, September 4.
The agency said it collaborated with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin Republic to facilitate Ibewuike’s return to Nigeria, where he is expected to face trial over his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking syndicate.
Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted after NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, seized 49.70kg of heroin in February 2024.
The heroin was allegedly concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.
The NDLEA described the seizure as the largest consignment of heroin it had intercepted at the Lagos international airport.
The operation also led to the arrest of several alleged members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who was accused of receiving drug parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The investigation further resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the syndicate.
The suspects were charged before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, in case number FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three suspects, Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline, have since been convicted and sentenced by the court.
Three other defendants — Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene — remain on trial.
The NDLEA said three suspects were initially charged in absentia: Ibewuike Festus, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and Arinze.
According to the agency, Ibewuike allegedly evaded arrest for more than two years by moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.
He was eventually apprehended in Cotonou following intelligence-led efforts involving the NDLEA and INTERPOL.
