In a dramatic move to dismantle a growing international cocaine trafficking network, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four prominent members of a drug cartel associated with Lagos-based kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, widely known as Barryshine, wanted. The suspects, who are believed to have played crucial roles in multiple cocaine smuggling operations, have been listed publicly, and their photographs are now circulating nationwide in a bid to bring them to justice.
On January 28, 2025, a ruling from the Federal High Court in Lagos, under the supervision of Justice Akintayo Aluko, granted the NDLEA the authority to publicly announce the four individuals as wanted. This order followed a request by the agency, which has been investigating Barryshine’s extensive drug network. The four suspects, identified as Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai (also known as Alhaji Loyingbo), Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, Femi Iwaya), Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori (Murphy), and Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki (associated with Kaffy Travels), are all believed to be on the run.
According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, the announcement is part of a broader crackdown on the cartel, which has been linked to a series of high-profile drug trafficking cases. Babafemi appealed to the public, urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
“These individuals are crucial to the operations of the Barryshine cocaine trafficking ring, and their arrest is essential in bringing down the entire syndicate,” Babafemi said in a statement. “We urge all Nigerians to report any tips to us. Information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
A Network of Crime:
The cartel, which is primarily involved in smuggling large quantities of cocaine into global markets, has been on the NDLEA’s radar for several years. Barryshine, the alleged mastermind behind the operation, was arrested in August 2024 after evading capture for nearly two years. He had been under surveillance by the NDLEA for his involvement in a series of failed attempts to smuggle drugs through Nigeria’s busiest international airport, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Lagos.
Barryshine is accused of using his position as the Managing Director of Barry Shine Suleman Nigeria Ltd to orchestrate the illicit shipments of cocaine. Between 2022 and 2024, he allegedly attempted four times to ship large quantities of the drug to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but each attempt was thwarted by the vigilance of the NDLEA and airport security.
“Barryshine’s operation is highly sophisticated and involves several layers of couriers and collaborators. We have already secured convictions against several of his couriers, but the key figures who financed and managed the operation are still at large,” Babafemi explained.
A Cartel With Deep Roots:
The four individuals now declared wanted by the NDLEA are believed to have facilitated various aspects of the drug trafficking operations. For example, Abdulai, also known as Alhaji Loyingbo, is accused of overseeing the logistics and transportation of the drugs. Meanwhile, Abidoye, whose aliases include Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, and Femi Iwaya, is suspected of playing a pivotal role in coordinating smuggling routes and connecting the cartel to foreign distributors. Ilori, known as Murphy, is linked to the financial aspect of the cartel’s operations, while Bukki, associated with Kaffy Travels, is suspected of aiding the transportation and packaging of the drugs.
In addition to their direct involvement in trafficking operations, the four suspects are allegedly tied to Barryshine’s broader network, which has operated across multiple African countries and extended its reach to the Middle East. The NDLEA’s investigation is focused on dismantling this network and preventing further international shipments of cocaine.
Legal Action Against Barryshine:
Barryshine himself is facing a multitude of criminal charges at the Federal High Court, including trafficking and managing a drug trafficking organization. In October 2024, he was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him by the NDLEA. These charges are contained in two separate cases (FHC/L/731C/2024 and FHC/L/732C/2024), which accuse him of unlawful management of a drug trafficking operation and exporting narcotic drugs. His case has drawn significant attention, as it highlights the growing problem of drug cartels in Nigeria and their impact on global trafficking networks.
During his arraignment, the NDLEA’s legal team, led by prosecutor Abu Ibrahim, presented evidence that Barryshine had financed several individuals, including convicted drug couriers, to carry out smuggling operations. These couriers included Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidikat and Wasiu Gbolahan Sanni, who were arrested and convicted for their roles in transporting cocaine.
Despite his denial of the charges, Barryshine remains in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services, pending further legal proceedings. The NDLEA has expressed its determination to secure a conviction in his case, with the full weight of the law being applied to bring down his criminal network.
The Call for Public Support:
As the hunt for the remaining cartel members continues, the NDLEA is relying on the public’s assistance to track down the suspects. The agency has provided several channels through which citizens can report information, including a toll-free helpline, social media accounts, and direct communication with local NDLEA offices.
“The fight against drug trafficking is a collective effort,” Babafemi emphasized. “We need every Nigerian’s help to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice. The consequences of their actions are far-reaching, and we must not allow them to continue their operations.”
The NDLEA’s public appeal comes at a time when drug-related crimes are increasingly affecting Nigeria’s international image. The country has long been seen as a significant transit point for narcotics, and the agency’s efforts to curb the influence of drug cartels are critical to preserving national security and improving Nigeria’s standing in the global fight against drug trafficking.
