NDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Baron Behind Cocaine Shipments to Saudi Arabia and Qatar
…As Two-Year Investigation Leads to Arrest of Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, Associates Still at Large
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as “Barryshine,” after a two-year-long manhunt.
Aremu, the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, has been linked to multiple failed attempts to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).
In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, and issued today Friday September 13, 2024, the agency disclosed that Aremu was placed on its watchlist in 2022 following the arrest of several drug couriers involved in smuggling cocaine on his behalf.
The agency said his name first surfaced in November 2022, when Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, a female passenger on a Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia, was apprehended with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in footwear.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect had been hired by Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, Aremu’s brother, while Aremu himself financed the trip.
In a similar operation, on 24 November 2022, NDLEA officers arrested another drug courier, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, attempting to smuggle the same quantity of cocaine, also hidden in shoes, to Saudi Arabia.
Oyenuga confessed to being recruited by a man known as Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan (alias “Teacher”), who was later convicted.
Gbolahan, in turn, linked Oyenuga to Aremu through another associate, identified as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (alias “Igbono”).
The crackdown continued in June 2024 when two drug mules, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, were arrested while attempting to board a flight to Doha, Qatar.
The suspects expelled a total of 150 pellets of cocaine, with Daniel releasing 90 pellets (weighing 1.022 kg) and Omobolaji excreting 60 pellets (662 grams).
Both men, according to the agency, were traced back to Abidoye, who had also recruited Sidika and Oyenuga in the previous arrests.
A thorough financial investigation by the NDLEA exposed direct links between Aremu and the arrested couriers.
The agency subsequently froze the bank accounts of Aremu and his associates, leading to Aremu’s eventual arrest on 26 August 2024.
During questioning, Aremu claimed to be involved in property development, hotel management, and a clothing business with his wife at Balogun Market in Lagos.
He also claimed his frequent travels to Saudi Arabia were for religious purposes, specifically to perform lesser hajj.
Aremu, according to findings by the NDLEA, holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land) and owns properties, including two houses on Queen Street in Ebute-Meta and Barryshine Hotel in Yaba, Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Lagos has approved the NDLEA’s request to extend Aremu’s detention for 30 days and declared two of his key associates, Abidoye and Ramon, wanted.
Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac, who presided over the case, issued the order, noting the involvement of both men in the drug trafficking operations led by Aremu.
The judge remarked that the long-standing pursuit of the cartel members highlights the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackle drug smuggling.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) praised the relentless efforts of the MMIA Command in bringing the cartel down, emphasising that “there is no hiding place for drug barons.”
He reiterated that no matter how long it takes, the law will eventually catch up with those involved in illegal drug trafficking.
The NDLEA’s arrest of Aremu is a major breakthrough in its ongoing battle against drug cartels, with investigations continuing to apprehend other members of his syndicate.
