Saudi Arabia Frees Three Nigerian After 10-Month Detention for Alleged Drug Possession

• The Trio were detained at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia
• The Three Nigerians were on Pilgrimage
• The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, the Consular-General of Nigeria in Jeddah

Following a high-level diplomatic intervention by the Nigerian government, Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi—who were arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking while on pilgrimage.

Eko Hot Blog gathered that according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the trio were detained on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and spent 10 months in detention before their release.

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The successful diplomatic engagement that led to their release underscores the commitment of the Nigerian government to protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad.

“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.

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“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, the Consular-General of Nigeria in Jeddah,” the statement said.

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