Wanted Suspect Finally Arrested As NDLEA, INTERPOL Close In

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 involvement in a 49.70-kilogramme heroin consignment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in 2024.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Ibewuike was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on September 2, 2026, following an extensive effort by law enforcement authorities to locate him.

He was subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives on September 4 through a joint operation involving the Nigerian and Beninese bureaux of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL). He was then brought back to Nigeria to face prosecution.

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

The case reportedly 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 consignment of heroin it had intercepted at the airport at the time.

According to the NDLEA, the seizure followed a 12-day coordinated operation that led to the arrest of several individuals allegedly connected to the trafficking network.

Among those arrested was Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who investigators alleged regularly received drug consignments on behalf of her husband. The consignments were reportedly identified with the code “ND.”

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

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 already been convicted and sentenced, while Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene remain on trial.

Ibewuike, Osita Chidozie Cyril and another suspect identified only as Arinze were reportedly charged in absentia after they could not be apprehended during the initial investigation.

The anti-narcotics agency alleged that Ibewuike fled to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business while evading Nigerian authorities. Investigators further claimed that he occasionally travelled between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic.

The NDLEA said intelligence gathered about his movements eventually enabled authorities to locate and arrest him in Cotonou on September 2.

Following his arrest, the agency said it collaborated with INTERPOL authorities in both Nigeria and Benin Republic to complete the transfer of custody.

A team of NDLEA operatives subsequently travelled to Cotonou on September 4 to take custody of the suspect and return him to Nigeria, where he is expected to face the charges against him.

The allegations against Ibewuike and other defendants who have not been convicted remain subject to determination by the court.