Saudi authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah last month over alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of diplomatic engagement and investigation.
The Director of Media and Advocacy of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi, confirmed their release on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja.
The freed pilgrims are Mrs Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr Abdulhamid Saddieq, who spent about four weeks in custody.
Babafemi said their freedom was secured after NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), engaged with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu. The efforts also had the support of the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Investigations revealed that a drug syndicate operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport planted illicit substances in six extra bags tagged in the pilgrims’ names. The suspects, including 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and three accomplices, were arrested and charged by the NDLEA.
Armed with this evidence, Marwa presented the findings to Saudi authorities, leading to the release of the Nigerians — one freed on Sunday and two on Monday.
“The greatest support came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad. This case is a testimony to that commitment,” Babafemi said, commending Saudi authorities for respecting the bilateral agreement with Nigeria.
The case highlights the growing trend of drug traffickers using unsuspecting travelers as cover for smuggling operations, with NDLEA vowing to prosecute all those behind the plot.
