NDLEA nabs fugitive kingpin after two years on run

A suspected drug trafficker linked to a 49.70kg heroin shipment intercepted in Lagos allegedly changed his name and relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel while evading Nigerian authorities for more than two years.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, was eventually arrested at an airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, following intelligence shared with INTERPOL.

Ibewuike, 52, was arrested on September 2 and transferred to NDLEA operatives in Cotonou two days later before being brought to Nigeria.

The agency said he had been declared wanted after its operatives uncovered a major heroin trafficking operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in February 2024.

During the 12-day operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the airport’s cargo terminal.

Ibewuike was among three suspects charged in absentia after allegedly fleeing the country. The investigation also resulted in the arrest of his wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who the agency accused of receiving parcels containing drugs on his behalf.

According to the NDLEA, the parcels were marked with the code “ND”, while 107 bank accounts connected to the investigation were frozen and properties allegedly belonging to the drug network forfeited.

The agency said Ibewuike spent more than two years moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic in an attempt to stay ahead of law enforcement.

Preliminary questioning, according to the NDLEA, established that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.

The suspect was subsequently taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where he allegedly identified the heroin parcels bearing the “ND” marking.

The development comes as several defendants connected to the case continue to face prosecution before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Three suspects — Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline — have already been convicted and sentenced, while Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Confidence Ibewuike and Onyinye Igbokwuputa remain on trial.

The NDLEA said another investigation also linked Ibewuike to a 2013 Federal High Court case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. The case, involving a suspect identified as Chidi Ihedioha, ended in a conviction in 2023.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said Ibewuike’s arrest demonstrated that suspects who flee the country could still be traced and prosecuted.

“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,” Marwa said.

He warned other fleeing suspects that the agency would continue its pursuit until they were brought before the law.

The NDLEA chief also credited the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL offices with facilitating the suspect’s return to Nigeria.