Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested and repatriated a 52-year-old suspected drug kingpin who had allegedly evaded arrest for more than two years.
Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Wednesday, September 2, following intelligence-led efforts and cooperation between the NDLEA and the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL).
He was handed over to NDLEA operatives who travelled to Cotonou on Friday, September 4, and was subsequently conveyed to Nigeria, where he is expected to face prosecution over his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The NDLEA announced the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 9, by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, Ibewuike was among three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia following the seizure of 49.70 kilogrammes of heroin at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos in February 2024.
The NDLEA described the seizure as the largest single heroin consignment ever intercepted at the airport.
The drugs were discovered concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The seizure followed a 12-day operation conducted by officers of the NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command.
Several alleged members of the trafficking network were arrested during the investigation, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike.
The agency alleged that Confidence routinely received parcels containing drugs on behalf of her husband, with the consignments reportedly marked with the code “ND.”
As part of its investigation into the alleged trafficking network, the NDLEA said it froze 107 bank accounts and obtained forfeiture orders covering properties allegedly linked to the cartel.
The agency said Ibewuike subsequently relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel business as a cover while continuing to travel between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an effort to evade arrest.
His movements, however, were eventually traced through intelligence sharing and international cooperation, leading to his arrest in Cotonou.
During preliminary interviews following his repatriation to Nigeria, the suspect reportedly confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
The NDLEA said further investigations would continue as authorities work to establish the full extent of the suspect’s alleged involvement in the drug trafficking network.
The case forms part of Nigeria’s continuing efforts to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks operating across its borders and to pursue suspects who attempt to evade prosecution by relocating to other countries.
