By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest and repatriation of a 52-year-old fugitive, Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, over his alleged connection to a 49.70-kilogramme heroin consignment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in 2024.

According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following more than two years of efforts to locate and apprehend him.

The agency said he was handed over to Nigerian authorities on September 4 through collaboration between the Nigerian and Beninese bureaux of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday

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How the Heroin Shipment Was Intercepted

The case dates back to February 2024, when NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the cargo terminal’s Import Shed.

The agency described the seizure as the largest single heroin consignment recorded at the airport.

NDLEA said the seizure followed a 12-day coordinated operation which led to the arrest of several alleged members of the trafficking network.

Among those arrested was Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, whom investigators alleged regularly received drug consignments bearing the code “ND” on behalf of her husband.

The agency said investigations into the alleged syndicate also resulted in the freezing of 107 bank accounts and the forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to the group.

Suspects Arraigned Over Alleged Drug Network

Several suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, in Charge No. FHC/L/205C/2024.

The NDLEA said three defendants — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have since been convicted and sentenced.

Three others — Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene — are still standing trial, according to the agency.

Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and a suspect identified only as Arinze were charged in absentia after they could not be apprehended at the time.

The allegations against suspects who have not been convicted remain subject to determination by the courts.

Fugitive Allegedly Changed Name, Relocated to Mozambique

The NDLEA alleged that Ibewuike fled Nigeria and relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business while evading law enforcement authorities.

Investigators further alleged that he occasionally travelled between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.

According to the agency, intelligence gathered on his movements eventually led to his arrest in Cotonou on September 2.

The NDLEA said it subsequently worked with INTERPOL authorities in Nigeria and Benin Republic to complete the transfer of custody.

A team of NDLEA operatives travelled to Cotonou on September 4 to receive the suspect and bring him back to Nigeria.

Suspect Allegedly Identifies Heroin Parcels

The agency said that during preliminary questioning after his return to Nigeria, Ibewuike confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.

The NDLEA subsequently took him to its Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi on September 5.

According to the agency, Ibewuike identified parcels of heroin carrying the “ND” marking, which investigators had linked to him.

The claims form part of the ongoing investigation and remain subject to judicial determination.

The NDLEA also said its investigation uncovered Ibewuike’s alleged association with an earlier case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine.

The earlier case, Charge No. FHC/L/203C/2013, was heard before Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari of the Federal High Court in Lagos.

According to the agency, the case involved a suspect identified as Chidi Ihedioha, who was eventually convicted in 2023.

The NDLEA did not state in its latest statement that Ibewuike himself was convicted in connection with that earlier case.

Marwa: ‘Long Arm of NDLEA Will Catch Up’

Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to track down wanted drug suspects.

“This arrest is a major breakthrough in our resolve to track down and bring to justice every drug baron who thinks that fleeing Nigeria’s shores puts them beyond the reach of the law,” Marwa said.

He warned other suspects wanted by the agency that fleeing the country would not prevent law enforcement authorities from pursuing them.

“As I have always vowed, the long arm of the NDLEA will catch up with anyone involved in this illicit trade, no matter how long it takes or how far they run,” he added.

Speaking specifically about Ibewuike, Marwa said:

“Festus Ibewuike ran for over two years, hiding under a change of name and a new life abroad, but today he is back in Nigeria to answer for the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his network.”

He added:

“The Agency will not relent until every one of you is brought to book.”

Marwa also commended the cooperation between Nigerian and Beninese authorities, particularly the INTERPOL National Central Bureaus in both countries, which he said helped facilitate Ibewuike’s arrest and transfer to Nigeria.

The suspect is expected to face the judicial process in Nigeria over the allegations against him.