By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The two-year flight of a wanted Nigerian drug kingpin has ended in neighbouring Benin Republic, where NDLEA operatives secured his arrest and repatriation over his alleged role in a 49.70kg heroin trafficking operation.
Festus Ibewuike, also known as Chidibest Ibewuike, had been on the run for more than two years following the interception of the single largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
An email sent to Persecondnews on Wednesday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, provided details of the operation.
According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike relocated to Mozambique, where he operated a hotel business as a front, after being declared wanted alongside two other suspects and charged in absentia over the February 2024 heroin seizure.
During a coordinated 12-day operation in February 2024, operatives of the NDLEA MMIA Strategic Command intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport’s cargo terminal.
The operation led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiamaka Ibewuike, who routinely received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf.
As part of the investigation, 107 bank accounts were frozen while properties linked to the drug trafficking cartel were forfeited.
The suspects were subsequently arraigned before Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in charge no. FHC/L/205C/2024.
So far, three of the suspects have been convicted and sentenced by the court. They are Adinnu Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline.
Three other suspects are still standing trial before the court. They are Chidiebere Reginald Peter, Ibewuike Ndidiamaka Confidence and Igbokwuputa Onyinye Ireene.
While three others who were charged in absentia are Ibewuike Festus, also known as Ibewuike Chidibest; Osita Chidozie Cyril; and one Arinze.
“For over two years, Ibewuike stayed out of the reach of Nigerian authorities, moving between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic as he sought to avoid arrest,” the NDLEA said.
His escape from law enforcement came to an end on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when actionable intelligence resulted in his arrest at the airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
To secure his transfer, the Agency collaborated with INTERPOL in Nigeria and Benin Republic, leading to his handover to a team of NDLEA operatives sent to Cotonou on Friday, September 4.
Following the handover, Ibewuike was brought back to Nigeria, where he is expected to face proceedings over his alleged involvement in the drug trafficking syndicate.
At the initial stage of questioning, the 52-year-old Ibewuike confirmed his identity and disclosed that he had changed his name from Chidibest Ibewuike to Festus Ibewuike.
The suspect was taken to the Agency’s Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Saturday, September 5, 2026, where he formally identified the heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code that investigators had linked to him.
Investigators also uncovered his previous connection to another drug-related case before the Federal High Court, Lagos, which was presided over by Hon. Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari.
The case, filed as charge no. FHC/L/203C/2013, involved the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine and one Chidi Ihedioha, who was subsequently convicted by the court in 2023.
Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the Agency’s sustained pursuit of fleeing drug kingpins.
“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.
“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 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.
This should serve as a fresh warning to fleeing suspects still at large: the Agency will not relent until every one of you is brought to book,” he stressed.
The successful operation underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation, with the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus instrumental in ensuring the suspect was handed over smoothly, Marwa said.
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