ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were arrested and detained for over a month in Jeddah on suspicion of drug trafficking, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Nigerians, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq — were freed following intensive diplomatic efforts and investigations led by the NDLEA and backed by top Nigerian government officials.
Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, confirmed their release on Wednesday, noting that the development followed sustained engagements between NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.) and the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims were arrested in August after arriving in Jeddah on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), en route to the lesser hajj. Saudi authorities accused them of drug trafficking after illicit substances were found in their checked-in luggage.
According to NDLEA investigations, the bags containing the drugs were not owned by the pilgrims. Still, they were instead tagged with their names by a criminal syndicate operating at the Kano airport. The families of the detained pilgrims raised the alarm with the NDLEA, prompting the agency to launch an inquiry.
The probe led to the arrest of a suspected drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, along with three accomplices, including airline officials allegedly involved in the illicit operation. Formal charges have been filed against the suspects: Abubakar, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.
Armed with evidence from its investigation, including legal filings against the syndicate, the NDLEA engaged Saudi authorities at multiple levels. One of the detained pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, while the other two were freed on Monday, September 15.
NDLEA Chairman Marwa expressed gratitude for the support received from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said was committed to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad. He also acknowledged the roles played by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Marwa praised his Saudi counterpart for honoring the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NDLEA and GDNC, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ensuring justice.
“This outcome reflects President Tinubu’s strong commitment to the protection of Nigerians globally. No Nigerian should face punishment for crimes they did not commit, and this case affirms our resolve to defend the innocent,” said Marwa.
The release of the three Nigerians brings relief to their families and signals a breakthrough in Nigeria’s efforts to combat airport drug syndicates using unsuspecting travelers as mules.
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