Wanted drug lord, responsible for four cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia and Qatar apprehended
Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as Barryshine, is a wanted drug baron who was detained by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) two years after they first became aware of him due to his suspected involvement in four unsuccessful attempts between 2022 and 2024 to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Suleman is the managing director and chief executive officer of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd., according to a statement released on Friday by Femi Babafemi, director of advocacy and media at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja.
The document claims that his name was initially mentioned on November 13, 2022, when Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, a female traveler on a Qatar Airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, was detained at the MMIA after being found in possession of 400 grammes of marijuana , which was concealed inside female footwears.
Babafemi said investigations later revealed that one Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman, hired the arrested drug courier.
"Further information revealed that Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu procured the suspect's airline tickets and other travel-related expenses.
"Lawal Lateef Oyenuga was also arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same amount of cocaine, 400 grammes, hidden in male footwear while travelling to the same destination, Saudi Arabia, a few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, another drug mule.
"The suspect, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, admitted that he was employed by Suleiman by one Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan, also known as Teacher, who was eventually detained and found guilty by the court. Lawal also claimed that Wasiu Gbolahan connected him to the baron via a person named Igbono, who became known as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (also known as Murphy, Igbono, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje, and Ejeoto)
Two drug mules on their way to Doha, Qatar were apprehended at the MMIA on June 21, 2024, while the two cases were still being investigated and the baron was still being sought after. Following his identification as Aikhomoun Daniel (also known as Oladapo Olanrewaju), one of the suspects ejected 90 cocaine pellets totalling 1.022 kg while under observation custody, and another suspect, Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, expelled 60 cocaine wraps totalling 662 grammes.
The two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, were found to have been hired by the same Igbono who serves the baron and was involved in the arrest of Ajesegiri Kehinde Sidika and Lawal Lateef Oyenuga in 2022, according to additional inquiry.
"Lawal Lateef Oyenuga was also arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same amount of cocaine, 400 grammes, hidden in male footwear while travelling to the same destination, Saudi Arabia, a few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, another drug mule.
"The suspect, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, admitted that he was employed by Suleiman by one Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan, also known as Teacher, who was eventually detained and found guilty by the court. Lawal also claimed that Wasiu Gbolahan had connected him to the baron through an Igbono, who was later identified as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (also known as Murphy, Igbono, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje, and Ejeoto) after an inquiry.
Two drug mules on their way to Doha, Qatar were apprehended at the MMIA on June 21, 2024, while the two cases were still being investigated and the baron was still being sought after. Following his identification as Aikhomoun Daniel (also known as Oladapo Olanrewaju), one of the suspects ejected 90 cocaine pellets totalling 1.022 kg while under observation custody, and another suspect, Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, expelled 60 cocaine wraps totalling 662 grammes.
The two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, were found to have been hired by the same Igbono who serves the baron and was involved in the arrest of Ajesegiri Kehinde Sidika and Lawal Lateef Oyenuga in 2022, according to additional inquiry.
The baron Suleiman was also connected to the two detained suspects and his colleagues, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, who are both at large, through a financial probe carried out by the Agency.
"As a result, the Agency shut down the cartel members' bank accounts, and on August 26, 2024, Suleiman was finally arrested for more investigation.
Suleiman stated in his remarks that he resides in Paris, France, and develops real estate and manages hotels in Lagos. He added that he and his wife operate a different clothing business in Lagos Island's Balogun Market and that the purpose of his many trips to Saudi Arabia is to complete a shorter hajj.
He declared that he is the traditional Akeweje of Yaba, meaning "Youth Leader of Yaba Land." According to the statement, Suleiman is already linked to a number of properties, including his Barryshine hotel, located at 95 Freeman Street in Yaba, Lagos, and two mansions at 63 and 72 Queens Street in Ebute-Meta.
Babafemi notified Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos, that the NDLEA had applied to have Suleiman's 30-day detention extended and to have his two associates, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, who are both at large right now, declared wanted.
According to the NDLEA Spokesman, in his decision regarding the motion ex-parte in suit number FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu declared that "one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, a.ka. 'Igbono', 'Murphy' ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).”
Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during the outward clearance of a Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grammes of cocaine concealed in foot wear. The judge also declared that "an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of such an individual."
In response to the events, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, praised the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for their meticulous two-year investigation, which resulted in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual capture of the cartel's kingpin.
He claimed that this showed that, regardless of how long it takes, everybody engaging in the illegal trade will eventually be caught by the long arm of the law.
