Arrest of Notorious Drug Trafficker Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu

Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, also known as Barry Shine, has been apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following a two-year investigation into his drug trafficking activities.

The agency reported that Suleiman attempted to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia and Qatar via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos between 2022 and 2024.

According to the NDLEA, “Suleiman, Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, came under scrutiny for his involvement in four failed cocaine export attempts to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through MMIA from 2022 to 2024.”

Suleiman’s name was first linked to drug trafficking on November 13, 2022, when Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika was arrested at the MMIA. She was found with 400 grams of cocaine hidden in her shoes while departing on a Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia.

Investigations uncovered that Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, Suleiman’s brother, was responsible for hiring the drug courier. It was also revealed that Suleiman financed her travel arrangements.

Shortly after this arrest, another suspect, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga, was apprehended on November 24, 2022, with the same amount of cocaine also concealed in his footwear while headed for Saudi Arabia. Oyenuga claimed he was enlisted by Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan, another associate of Suleiman, who has since been convicted.

Further probing led to the identification of Igbono, later confirmed as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, as a key link to Suleiman’s drug operations.

On June 21, 2024, amidst the ongoing investigation, two additional mules were caught at MMIA heading to Doha, Qatar. Aikhomoun Daniel excreted 90 pellets of cocaine (1.022 kg), while Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji passed 60 wraps totaling 662 grams. Both were found to have been recruited by Igbono, further tying them to Suleiman.

A financial investigation linked Suleiman to the suspects and their recruiter, Abidoye, both of whom remain at large. Consequently, the NDLEA froze financial assets associated with the trafficking ring and detained Suleiman on August 26, 2024, for further inquiry.

In his defense, Suleiman claimed to engage in property development, hotel management, and clothing businesses alongside his wife in Lagos. He stated that his frequent trips to Saudi Arabia were for religious purposes and identified as the Akeweje of Yaba.

Authorities have traced several properties linked to him, including locations on Queens Street and his hotel in Yaba.

Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court in Lagos approved a request from the NDLEA to extend Suleiman’s detention by 30 days and declared his two associates wanted.

In the ruling, the judge stated that “Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, aka ‘Igbono’, is wanted for his multiple drug trafficking connections with Suleiman.” The order also applies to Olarenwaju Ramon due to his involvement in previous cocaine smuggling activities.

Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the NDLEA’s CEO, praised the strategic command at MMIA for their thorough investigation, resulting in the arrests and highlighting the agency’s commitment to combating drug crime effectively.