By: Bayero Ade
Three Nigerians detained and prosecuted in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking have been released following diplomatic interventions by the Nigerian government.
According to NAN, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced their release in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
The individuals—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi—were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah while on pilgrimage. They were accused of possessing substances suspected to be cocaine and remained in detention for 10 months.
The ministry explained that their arrest was linked to an earlier incident involving two Nigerians caught with 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams. The three women were suspected of complicity in the trafficking operation.
“Their release was secured through persistent diplomatic and legal engagements, resulting in their acquittal and subsequent handover to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Jeddah,” the statement read.
The trio was received by Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, and are now completing immigration processes ahead of their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.
The Ministry acknowledged the significant attention the case garnered in both countries and commended the efforts that led to their freedom.
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