Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the release of three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—who were detained in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking.
The trio was arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, and have spent the past ten months in detention.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the women’s arrest was linked to a broader investigation following the apprehension of two other Nigerians found with substantial quantities of cocaine.
“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 grams and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5 grams, respectively,” the statement revealed.
The case garnered considerable attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, highlighting the diplomatic complexities surrounding drug trafficking issues. The Ministry emphasized that the successful release of the women was achieved through “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements,” which ultimately led to their discharge and acquittal.
Following their release, the women were handed over to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah. “The ladies were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and are currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement added.
The Ministry has expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Saudi authorities in resolving the matter, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerian nationals abroad.
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