Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah has secured the release and full lifting of the travel ban on three Nigerian nationals; Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi, who were arrested in August 2025 at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This was contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The arrests followed the discovery of prohibited substances in luggage fraudulently attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their knowledge.
Upon notification, Amb. Muazam I. J. Nayaya, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah immediately engaged Saudi authorities and reported the matter to Headquarters in Abuja, while also requesting the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to support investigations. The Mission maintained continuous engagement with the host authorities, ensured regular prison visits, and arranged legal representation for the detainees.
Following thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them from detention on 14th and 15th September 2025. A temporary travel restriction imposed pending the completion of security procedures has now been fully lifted.
Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on 5th November 2025, while the travel ban on Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq was lifted on 2nd December 2025. Arrangements for his return are currently being finalised by the Nigerian Mission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended the cooperation and professionalism of the Saudi authorities throughout the process and also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NDLEA and the Consulate in Jeddah in securing a just outcome.
This development reaffirms and aligns with Nigeria’s enduring commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad as enshrined in the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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