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Saudi Arabia Frees 3 Nigerians Acquitted Of Drug Trafficking Charges After 10-Month Detention
The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
Abuja, Nigeria – Three Nigerian nationals, who had been detained in Saudi Arabia on drug trafficking allegations, have been released after being acquitted of the charges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the release of Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, following 10 months of detention.
The trio had been arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah for allegedly carrying substances suspected to be cocaine during their pilgrimage.
The Acting-Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, attributed the release to sustained diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government. “This outcome underscores the importance of robust diplomatic engagement and Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad,” the statement read.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.
“The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.
“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement quoted Ebienfa as saying.
