By Kawaekwune Jeffrey
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of a suspected drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as Barryshine.
The arrest of Aremu came two years after he was placed on the NDLEA’s watchlist over his alleged involvement in multiple drug deals.
The Chairman of the NDLEA, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), confirmed that Aremu was taken into custody on August 26, 2024.
The NDLEA boss expressed satisfaction with the agency’s efforts, stating: “The arrest of Suleiman Ganiu Aremu (aka Barryshine) demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those involved in drug trafficking, no matter how long it takes.”
He further commended NDLEA officers for their persistence, noting that their work over the last two years has led to the conviction of several traffickers and the eventual capture of the cartel’s leader.
It would be recalled that Suleiman, the CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, has been under investigation for his suspected role in multiple failed attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
NDLEA maintained that Suleiman’s name first emerged on November 13, 2022, when a female passenger, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in footwear. According to the NDLEA further investigations had revealed that Suleiman, alongside his brother, Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, allegedly facilitated the smuggling attempt. Shortly after this incident, the Agency said another suspected drug courier, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, was arrested with the same amount of cocaine on his way to Saudi Arabia. Both suspected couriers allegedly confessed to working for Suleiman’s cartel.
The NDLEA further stated that Suleiman, who claims to be involved in property development and hotel management, admitted in his statement that he frequently visited Saudi Arabia for religious purposes. According to the Agency, investigations however revealed that he had allegedly been involved in orchestrating drug shipments to the Middle East through his associates, including his brother Ramon and another accomplice, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, both of whom are currently at large”.
It would be recalled that in the wake of the arrest, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos, had granted the NDLEA’s request to detain Suleiman for an additional 30 days while efforts were intensified to apprehend his associates. The judge also declared both Ramon and Abidoye wanted for their alleged involvement in the cocaine trafficking network.
