NDLEA arrests, repatriates fugitive drug kingpin over 49.7kg heroin seizure
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, a suspected drug kingpin who had eluded capture for over two years. His arrest follows the interception of the largest heroin shipment recorded at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday. Babafemi indicated that Ibewuike had relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a front for his activities after being declared wanted and charged in absentia.
The law enforcement agency declared Ibewuike and two other suspects wanted following a coordinated 12-day operation by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command in February 2024. During this operation, authorities seized 49.70 kilograms of heroin concealed within cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of several syndicate members, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who is accused of regularly receiving drug-laden parcels on his behalf marked with the code “ND.”
Additionally, the NDLEA reported the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties linked to the cartel. The suspects face charges before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, under charge number FHC/L/205C/2024. To date, three suspects—Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, and Uzochukwu Frankline—have been convicted and sentenced, while others, including Chidiebere Reginald Peter and Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence, are still undergoing trial.
Ibewuike spent over two years as a fugitive, reportedly navigating between Mozambique and Nigeria via the Benin Republic to avoid arrest. However, actionable intelligence led to his capture at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026. The NDLEA worked with INTERPOL to facilitate his transfer to NDLEA operatives deployed in Cotonou on September 4, marking the conclusion of his lengthy evasion of law enforcement.
