The Traffic

Drug Kingpin’s Empire Crumbles: NDLEA Hunts Four Key ‘Barryshine’ Cartel Members

By Achimi Muktar

In a dramatic escalation of its war on drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four key associates of notorious Lagos drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu—widely known as Barryshine (Ejeoto)—wanted for their deep involvement in an international narcotics network.

This comes as Barryshine, the mastermind behind a multi-million-dollar drug empire, battles criminal charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos following his high-profile arrest in August 2024.

Who Are the Wanted Men?

The NDLEA obtained a court order from Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on January 28, 2025, officially declaring these four individuals fugitives:

Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai (aka Alhaji Loyingbo) – A key figure in Barryshine’s operations, accused of multiple drug trafficking offenses.

Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (aka Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, Femi Iwaya) – Allegedly a major player in the cartel’s logistics, facilitating illicit drug movements.

Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori (aka Murphy) – Wanted for multiple drug-related offenses.

Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels – Accused of using travel services as a front for drug smuggling.

As part of the crackdown, the court has mandated the public display of their photographs, signaling an aggressive nationwide manhunt.

Barryshine’s Downfall and the Expanding Crackdown

Barryshine, the CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd, had been a ghost in the NDLEA’s files for over two years before his capture. He was linked to at least four failed attempts to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, between 2022 and 2024.

While many of his drug mules have already been arrested and convicted, authorities believe his arrested associates hold the final pieces to dismantling his syndicate completely.

NDLEA’s Call to Action

The NDLEA is urging the public to provide any information that could lead to the capture of these fugitives. Citizens can report tips via:

Toll-free helpline: 080010203040

Social Media:

Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok: @ndlea_nigeria

Facebook: @ndlea01

YouTube: @ndleatv

With the noose tightening around Barryshine’s empire, the NDLEA has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating drug cartels and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders from the menace of narcotics.

Will the fugitive cartel members evade capture, or will this mark the final chapter of Barryshine’s drug dynasty? The clock is ticking.