The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a suspected drug lord connected to the 49.70kg heroin shipment seized at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in 2024.
The NDLEA shared this news in a statement from its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The suspect, 52-year-old Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. This followed actionable intelligence that led security agents to him.
His capture ended Ibewuike’s efforts to dodge the law by moving between Mozambique and Nigeria via Benin Republic. The NDLEA reported that he had set up in Mozambique, running a hotel as a cover for his activities.
After his arrest, the agency coordinated with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin to secure his return. The NDLEA stated that a team of operatives was sent to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, to bring him back to Nigeria.
Ibewuike was declared wanted after the NDLEA seized 49.70kg of heroin hidden in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the MMIA cargo terminal in February 2024.
This seizure was part of a 12-day operation that also led to the arrest of others in the trafficking network, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike. She was said to have frequently received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
The operation resulted in freezing 107 bank accounts and confiscating properties linked to the drug syndicate.
The suspects faced charges in front of Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in case number FHC/L/205C/2024.
Three suspects, Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna, and Uzochukwu Frankline, have already been convicted and sentenced. Meanwhile, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence, and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene are still on trial.
Ibewuike, charged in absentia with Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect named Arinze, later confirmed his identity during initial interviews. He told investigators that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
The NDLEA said the suspect was taken to its Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday, September 5, where he formally identified the heroin parcels marked with the ‘ND’ code, which were linked to him.
In response to the arrest, the NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), stated that this event shows the agency’s commitment to catching drug suspects on the run.
Marwa said, “This arrest is a significant breakthrough in our determination to track down and bring to justice every drug lord who believes that running away from Nigeria means they are safe from the law.”
He added, “The long reach of the NDLEA will find anyone involved in this illegal trade, no matter how long it takes or how far they try to escape.”
Marwa praised the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their assistance in facilitating the suspect’s transfer.
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