The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has finally apprehended a wanted drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as Barryshine, after a two-year investigation. Aremu, the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, was taken into custody on August 26, 2024, for his alleged involvement in multiple cocaine trafficking activities.
The arrest of Aremu marks a significant milestone in the NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. The agency’s painstaking investigation, which spanned over two years, has led to the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel.
The Investigation
Aremu first came under the radar of the NDLEA in November 2022, when a female passenger, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in female footwear. Further investigation revealed that Aremu’s brother, Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, had hired the drug courier, and that Aremu had sourced the flight tickets and travel expenses.
As the investigation continued, more drug mules were arrested, and the NDLEA uncovered a complex cartel involving Aremu and his associates. The cartel was responsible for attempting to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the MMIA. Aremu’s associates, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, are currently at large.
The Cartel
The NDLEA’s investigation revealed that Aremu’s cartel was responsible for several foiled attempts to export cocaine. On November 24, 2022, another drug mule, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, was arrested with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in male footwear. Further investigation revealed that Oyenuga was hired by Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan, who was later arrested and convicted by the court.
In June 2024, two more drug mules, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji, were arrested at the MMIA with a total of 1.684 kg of cocaine. Further investigation revealed that the two arrested couriers were recruited by Igbono, who works for Aremu.
The Arrest
Aremu was eventually arrested on August 26, 2024, after a financial investigation linked him to the arrested suspects and his associates. He claimed to be involved in property development and hotel management, but the NDLEA has traced several properties to him, including two houses and a hotel in Lagos.
The Court Ruling
Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has granted an application by the NDLEA to extend Aremu’s detention for 30 days and has declared his two associates wanted. The judge also ruled that Aremu’s associates, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, be declared wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities.
The NDLEA’s Reaction
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for their painstaking investigation, which led to the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin. He emphasized that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those involved in the criminal trade, no matter how long it takes.
The arrest of Aremu is a significant blow to the drug trafficking syndicates operating in Nigeria, and the NDLEA remains committed to combating the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.
