Three Nigerian nationals who were arrested for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been released after spending 10 months in detention. The individuals—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—were initially detained on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement released on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the release of the trio. The statement explained that their arrest followed the earlier capture of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of large quantities of cocaine. The drugs included 80 capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams. The women were suspected of being involved in the trafficking operation, with authorities considering them accomplices to the initial arrests.
Ebienfa noted that the case had garnered significant attention both in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Their release was the result of extensive diplomatic and legal efforts, which eventually led to their discharge and acquittal. The women were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Jeddah.
The trio was received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and are now awaiting the necessary immigration procedures for their return to Nigeria, where they will be reunited with their families.
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