The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), has arrested 52-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, over his alleged involvement in a 49.70-kilogramme heroin consignment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in 2024.
Ibewuike, who had been on the run for more than two years, was reportedly arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026.
According to the NDLEA, he was subsequently handed over to its operatives on September 4 through a joint effort involving the Nigerian and Beninese bureaux of INTERPOL. He has since been brought back to Nigeria to face prosecution over the allegations against him.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a statement.
How the 49.70kg heroin was intercepted
The case reportedly dates back to February 2024, when NDLEA operatives working at the cargo terminal of the Lagos airport intercepted a consignment containing 49.70kg of heroin.
The agency said the illicit substance had been concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport.
The NDLEA described the seizure as the largest single heroin consignment ever recorded at the Lagos airport.
Following the discovery, operatives launched an investigation into the shipment, which lasted for about 12 days and led to the arrest of several individuals allegedly connected to the trafficking network.
Among those arrested was Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike.
Investigators reportedly alleged that Confidence regularly received drug consignments on behalf of her husband, with the consignments allegedly bearing the code name “ND.”
Investigation exposes alleged drug network
The NDLEA said further investigations into the alleged syndicate resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts linked to the group.
The agency also disclosed that properties allegedly connected to the network were forfeited as part of efforts to disrupt the activities of the suspected drug trafficking organisation.
Several suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, in Charge No. FHC/L/205C/2024.
According to the agency, three defendants — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have already been convicted and sentenced.
However, three other defendants, Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene, are still standing trial.
The NDLEA also said Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified only as Arinze were charged in absentia after they could not be arrested at the time.
Ibewuike allegedly fled Nigeria
The anti-narcotics agency alleged that Ibewuike fled Nigeria after the seizure and eventually relocated to Mozambique.
While in Mozambique, he was reportedly running a hotel business while allegedly evading Nigerian law enforcement authorities.
After more than two years of efforts to locate and apprehend him, the suspect was eventually arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, through international law enforcement cooperation.
His return to Nigeria is expected to pave the way for further legal proceedings over his alleged role in the 2024 heroin seizure.
The NDLEA has continued to intensify its efforts against drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria, including those using international routes to move illicit substances.
It is important to note that allegations against suspects who have not been convicted remain subject to determination by the court.
