International Drug Kingpin Nabbed: Mastermind Behind Cocaine Shipments to Saudi Arabia and Qatar Arrested

NDLEA Nabs Notorious Drug Baron Behind Multiple Cocaine Shipments to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

A two-year manhunt has finally come to an end with the arrest of Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, aka Barryshine, a wanted drug baron linked to four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Aremu, the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, was taken into custody on August 26, 2024, after a painstaking investigation by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The drug baron’s name first surfaced in November 2022, when a female passenger, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, was arrested at the MMIA with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in female footwears. Further investigation revealed that Aremu had hired the drug courier through his brother, Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon.

Subsequent arrests and convictions of other drug mules linked to Aremu’s cartel led to the eventual blocking of his bank accounts and the tracing of properties in Lagos, including two houses and a hotel.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for their dedication, stating that the arrest demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always catch up with those involved in the criminal trade, no matter how long it takes.

Two of Aremu’s associates, Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, are currently at large and have been declared wanted by the Federal High Court in Lagos.