After two years of relentless investigation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as “Barryshine,” a notorious drug baron accused of orchestrating four failed attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.
Suleiman, Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, first came under the NDLEA’s radar in November 2022 when a female passenger on a Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, was arrested with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in footwear. Investigations revealed that Suleiman’s brother, Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, hired the courier, and Suleiman himself funded the flight tickets and other travel expenses.
The following month, another courier, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, was caught with an identical amount of cocaine on his way to Saudi Arabia. Lawal confessed that he was recruited by Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan, also known as “Teacher,” who had direct ties to Suleiman through an intermediary named Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, also known by aliases such as “Igbono” and “Murphy.”
Despite ongoing investigations, the cartel continued its operations. In June 2024, two more couriers were intercepted at MMIA en route to Doha, Qatar. One suspect, Aikhomoun Daniel, excreted 90 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.022kg, while the other, Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, expelled 60 wraps of cocaine totaling 662 grams. Both couriers were linked back to the same drug network led by Suleiman.
Through financial tracking, the NDLEA discovered that Suleiman and his associates, including his brother Ramon and Akande, were deeply involved in coordinating these smuggling attempts. Suleiman’s assets, including properties in Ebute-Meta and a hotel in Yaba, were identified and are now under investigation.
In August 2024, Suleiman was finally taken into custody. Despite claiming he was a property developer and hotel manager with additional business interests in Lagos Island’s Balogun market, the evidence against him was overwhelming. He also holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba, further highlighting the extent of his societal influence.
Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the NDLEA’s application to detain Suleiman for an additional 30 days while declaring his two associates, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi, wanted.
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the MMIA Strategic Command for their dedication and meticulous investigation, which culminated in the conviction of three couriers and the eventual capture of the kingpin. “This demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those involved in criminal trade, no matter how long it takes,” Marwa asserted.
This landmark operation underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and ensuring justice prevails.
Stay informed, stay ahead with The Ameh News—your trusted source for impactful stories shaping the nation.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
