Felix Temitope, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four associates of Lagos-based drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, popularly known as ‘Barryshine’ or ‘Ejeoto,’ wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities. The suspects are linked to a series of cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries, for which Barryshine is currently facing criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The declaration follows a court order granted by Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The order, issued in response to a motion filed by the NDLEA in charge number FHC/L/731C/2024, mandates the public display of the suspects’ photographs and details to facilitate their arrest.
The four individuals declared wanted are Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai (a.k.a Alhaji Loyingbo), Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, Femi Iwaya), Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori (a.k.a Murphy), and Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels. The court order specifically authorizes the NDLEA to issue public notices with the suspects’ photographs prominently displayed, as they are currently at large and actively involved in drug trafficking activities alongside Barryshine.
The leader of the cartel, Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, was arrested on August 26, 2024, after two years of surveillance by the NDLEA. Barryshine, who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, had been under the agency’s watchlist for his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, between 2022 and 2024.
Several of his accomplices, including drug mules, have already been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted. Barryshine is currently facing multiple criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the NDLEA intensifying efforts to bring his associates to justice.
The NDLEA has urged members of the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the four wanted suspects. Citizens can contact the nearest NDLEA command, call the toll-free helpline at 080010203040, or send direct messages to the agency’s social media accounts: @ndlea_nigeria on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, @ndlea01 on Facebook, or @ndleatv on YouTube.
The declaration of the four suspects as wanted persons underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug cartels and disrupting international drug trafficking networks. The agency has intensified its efforts to combat drug-related crimes, particularly those involving the export of illicit substances to foreign countries.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, emphasized the importance of public cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking. “The NDLEA remains resolute in its mission to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs and bring drug traffickers to justice. We call on all Nigerians to support this effort by providing timely and actionable information,” he stated.
The case of the Barryshine cartel highlights the growing menace of international drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria. The NDLEA’s proactive measures, including the reengineering of its operational strategies and enhanced collaboration with international partners, have led to significant breakthroughs in recent years.
As the trial of Barryshine continues and the search for his associates intensifies, the NDLEA has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes, vowing to pursue all individuals involved in such activities to the fullest extent of the law.
