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Wanted drug baron behind 4 cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar arrested
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
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in collaboration with the police and other auxiliaries have neutralised a suspected member of the notorious Lakurawa bandit faction during an engagement in Malam Yaro village, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 5:26 a.m. on Tuesday when armed bandits attempted a surprise incursion into the community.
The attackers were said to have advanced toward the village with the intent to intimidate residents and reassert their presence along the Kebbi border corridor.
The troops were immediately deployed to the area, where they established contact with the armed group.
“During the fierce exchange of fire, one of the bandits was neutralised while several others fled with gunshot wounds along the western axis,” the source said.
Zagazola learnt that two operational motorcycles belonging to the fleeing assailants were recovered at the scene.
Troops neutralise Lakurawa bandit, recover motorcycles in Kebbi
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UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The British High Commission in Nigeria and Manufacturing Africa have hosted an Investor Night where six innovative Nigerian startups from the UK funded Green Business Building (GBB) Accelerator Programme pitched their sustainable manufacturing solutions to potential investors following 16 weeks of intensive business development training and mentorship.
The featured green businesses cover a broad range of industries extending from renewable energy, recycling, organic agriculture and electric mobility.
According to a statement by British High Commission on Tuesday, the startups – GreenSpace Recycling, Sirius-X Energy, Auxano Solar, Taeillo, ZOOMe and Veggie Victory presented their business models and opportunities to a room of venture capitalists, impact investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The pitching session marked a key milestone in their journey, aimed at unlocking funding and strategic partnerships.
The statement added that designed in a pitch den format, the evening included presentations from the cohort companies, offering insights into their innovative climate friendly business models and the potential for scaling their ventures to create lasting economic and environmental impact.
The businesses also received real-time feedback from funders including potential offers for funding.
Attendees at the event included Jonny Baxter, UK Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and other representatives from the High Commission in Nigeria, prominent investors and key stakeholders from the sustainable business ecosystem in Nigeria.
Designed to catalyse investment in Nigeria’s green industrial growth, the accelerator is part of the UK’s and Nigeria’s commitment to growing and scaling small, innovative businesses to deliver growth and create new direct and indirect jobs across green industries in Nigeria.
Deputy Head of Mission, British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Simon Field, said,“Manufacturing is Nigeria’s future — and these businesses show how it can also be greener, more inclusive, and globally competitive. I have nothing but confidence in the programme we’re funding. Every pitch tonight was professional, inspiring, and full of ambition.”
Manufacturing Africa Nigeria, Country Lead, Kemi Onabanjo, said: Tonight was all about celebrating progress and creating profitable connections. We are celebrating the progress these incredible founders have made on their journey with the GBB programme, as well as the impact they are already having. It was also about creating connections that bridge the gap between innovation and investment — connecting promising ventures with the capital, networks, and partners needed to scale their impact.
The startup founders commended the programme with CEO, Taeillo, Jumoke Dada, saying: “GBB is hands-on — they take the heavy lifting off you and help you execute. We now have real clarity on our next steps and a plan we can run with.”
CEO, ZOOMe, Adedayo Odunlami, said: “The level of diligence and attention to detail from the team was world-class. They’ve helped us evolve — as a business and as founders — and connected us to an incredible network.”
UK Government Funded Accelerator Programme Pitches Sustainable Manufacturing Solutions in Nigeria
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Russia on Tuesday are celebrating 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The two countries established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1960
Both countries ministers of foreign affairs in celebrating the important milestone exchange congratulations messages.
Russian minister, Sergey Lavrov in his letter stated that: “Please accept my sincere congratulations on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two States.
“We note with satisfaction the high level of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is based on the principles of mutual respect, trust and the closeness of our positions across a broad range of regional and international issues.
“We remain committed to the steady development and maintenance of an active and substantive political dialogue, as well as practical collaboration in the trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, in the interests of the peoples of our countries and in the support of sustainable peace and development on the African continent.
“I wish you good health and every success, and to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – well-being and prosperity.”
On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I have the honour to convey warm congratulations to you and through you to the government and people of the Russian Federation, on this historic occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“As we celebrate this milestone, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strengthening partnership in a manner that advances the prosperity of our peoples and contributes to a more just and equitable international order.
“Since the establishment of ties on 25th November, 1960, Nigeria and Russia have maintained a relationship characterized by mutual respect, constructive dialogue and shared aspirations for global peace, stability and development. Over the decades, our cooperation has expanded across strategic sectors including Defence, Education, Energy, Science and Technology, Space Cooperation, Trade, and Cultural Exchange.
“I look forward to deepening collaboration in economy, security and increased people-to-people exchanges.
“Please accept the assurances of my
highest consideration.”
Nigeria, Russia Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
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