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Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

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Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have taken into custody a wanted drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics agency.

Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, according to a statement on Friday by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi came under the agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos between 2022 and 2024.

Babafemi said the alleged drug baron, name first featured on November 13, 2022, when a female passenger on Qatar airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Sidika was arrested at the MMIA in possession of 400 grammes of cocaine, which was concealed inside female footwears.

He said investigations later revealed that one Abdullahi Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman hired the arrested drug courier, with further facts subsequently emerging that the flight tickets and other travel expenses of the suspect were sourced by Alhaji Suleiman Aremu.

Babafemi said a few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Sidika, another drug mule, Lawal Oyenuga was arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same quantity of cocaine, 400 grammes, concealed in male footwears while going to the same destination, Saudi Arabia.

The suspect, Lawal Oyenuga on his arrest and interrogation, confessed that one Wasiu Gbolahan (a.k.a Teacher) who was later arrested and convicted by the court, hired him for Suleiman. Lawal further alleged that Wasiu Gbolahan linked him up with the baron through one Igbono, who was later unveiled through investigation as Oluwafemi Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Murphy, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje and Ejeoto)

Babafemi said, while investigation of the two cases subsisted and the manhunt for the baron was ongoing, two drug mules were arrested at the MMIA on June 21, 2024 on their way to Doha, Qatar. One of the suspects who was later identified as Aikhomoun Daniel (a.k.a Oladapo Olanrewaju) digested in observation custody a total of 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.022 kilogrammes, which he ingested, while the second suspect, Ayigoro Omobolaji excreted 60 wraps of cocaine with a total weight of 662 grammes.

He said further investigation later revealed that the two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Omobolaji were recruited by the same Igbono who works for the baron and featured in 2022 during the arrest of Ajesegiri Sidika and Lawal Oyenuga.

He added that financial investigation conducted by the agency also linked the baron Suleiman to the arrested suspects and two of his associates who recruit traffickers for him: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large.

The spokesman said as a result, the agency blocked the bank accounts linked to members of the cartel after which Suleiman was eventually taken into custody on August 26, 2024 for further investigation.

In his statements, Suleiman was said to have claimed he is into property development and hotel management while he lives in Lagos and Paris, France.

He also stated that he runs another business that deals in cloths with his wife at Balogun market, Lagos Island, adding that his regular visits to Saudi Arabia was to perform lesser hajj.

He said he holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land). Already, some properties traced to Suleiman include: two houses at 63 and 72 Queens Street, Ebute-Meta and his Barryshine hotel at 95 Freeman street, Yaba, Lagos.

Meanwhile, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos has granted an application by the NDLEA for the extension of the detention of the drug kingpin Suleiman for 30 days and to declare his two associates: Oluwafemi Abidoye and Olanrewaju Ramon, both currently at large, wanted.

Ruling on the motion ex-parte in suit number: FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu said: “an order is hereby made declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.ka ‘Igbono’, ‘Murphy’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).”

The judge also ruled that “an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika who was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grammes of cocaine concealed in foot wears.”

Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the painstaking two years investigation that culminated in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel. He said this demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always get whoever is involved in the criminal trade no matter how long it takes.

Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Damuli Investment Company Limited, Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa, has extended assistance to the development of education in Yobe, targeting orphans and underprivileged students in the state.

The company expanded to be worth over $90 million as part of its contribution towards the development of education, students, and orphans in the region, which includes the purchase of mattresses and bedding materials for Mai Bukar boarding primary school.

Prior to government approval, Damuli Investment Company fed boarding primary schools in the region for a good 3 months for free. In addition, it purchased teaching and learning materials and foodstuff for teachers and principals, as well as presented gifts during the graduation ceremony and others to Mai Bukar boarding school in August 2025.

The company also made the payment of school registration fees for 15 orphan students at Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Potiskum, and also supported the Yobe State annual Quranic recitation competition held in Machina in 2025.

“In participation in supporting the students of high institutions, Dabuwa Company made the payment of school fee registration for over 150 students at various high institutions. In addition, it supported Yobe State University during a fire outbreak with bending materials.

“Damuli Investment Company also sponsored common entrance exams into Mai Bukar boarding school across the political wards of the Machina local government area in 2024 and 2025, respectively, as well as rendered support to Medical College Damaturu and purchased teaching and learning materials for GSS Machina.

Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa commended His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, for turning Yobe State into semi-London.

“Now Yobe State can compete with any developing state in the country in terms of infrastructural development,” Alhaji Liman Mohammad Dabuwa said.

MD Damuli Investment Company Limited extends assistance to orphans, underprivileged students in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

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One dead, four injured in communal clash in ngidoje village in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old man has been killed while four others sustained injuries in a clash involving youths in Ngidoje Village, Yobe State.

Sources said the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10:00 p.m. when some Fulani youths reportedly had a misunderstanding that escalated into a fight involving sticks and cutlasses.

The deceased, identified as Ibrahim Manu Gagare, was beaten and fell unconscious. He was rushed to Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Buni Yadi, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor. His body was later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.

The remaining four victims sustained various degrees of injuries and are responding to treatment.
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NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

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NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

By: Michael Mike

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Corps for its rapid infrastructural growth and operational innovation, describing the command as a benchmark for excellence within the Corps.

Prof. Audi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the FCT Command as part of his 2026 Operational Tour aimed at assessing readiness, training capacity, and infrastructure development across NSCDC formations nationwide.

At the centre of the visit was the newly initiated Obstacle Course Training Facility, which the NSCDC boss described as a strategic investment in personnel capacity building and operational effectiveness.

He noted that the transformation witnessed at the FCT Command since the assumption of office of the Commandant Olusola Odumosu reflects purposeful leadership, discipline, and dedication to service.

According to the Commandant General, the FCT Command occupies a critical position as the operational nerve centre of the National Headquarters, stressing that the pace of development recorded within a short time underscores the command’s commitment to innovation and professionalism.

He further described officers of the FCT Command as some of the most dedicated personnel in the Corps, working deliberately to reposition the NSCDC in line with contemporary security demands. Prof. Audi noted that the progress recorded by the command is clear evidence of the broader transformation taking place within the Corps.

During his interaction with personnel, the NSCDC boss urged officers to uphold the values and principles of the service, cautioning against indiscipline, complacency, and misconduct.

He emphasized that national service must take precedence over personal interests, encouraging officers to pursue initiatives that can serve as models for other commands.

Audi also acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of NSCDC personnel, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for addressing long-standing promotion challenges within the service. He said the recent promotions have boosted morale and reinforced the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Looking ahead, the Commandant General disclosed that the National Headquarters is developing a College of Arms Squad Service in Nasarawa State, adding that the FCT Command’s obstacle course design will be adopted as a reference model for advanced training nationwide. He assured the FCT Command of continued institutional support to ensure timely completion of the project.

The visit culminated in a tactical demonstration by trained personnel at the obstacle course, showcasing the physical fitness, coordination, and operational preparedness of the command.

NSCDC Chief Hails FCT Command’s Transformation, Showcases Obstacle Training Facility

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