Three Nigerian women detained in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking have been acquitted after 10 months in detention. The release followed diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian government. Officials emphasize vigilance during international travel as the women prepare to return home and reunite with their families.
Three Nigerian women accused of drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted and released following diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian government.
The women, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were detained on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Their arrest stemmed from suspicions of involvement in drug trafficking after two Nigerian nationals were apprehended with a significant quantity of cocaine.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed that the women spent 10 months in detention before being cleared of all charges. Their release was achieved through sustained diplomatic negotiations and legal interventions between Nigerian authorities and their Saudi counterparts.
The case garnered widespread attention in both countries, highlighting the strict anti-drug laws in Saudi Arabia. The women were formally handed over to Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, who is overseeing the final immigration processes for their return to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the welfare of its citizens overseas while emphasizing the need for vigilance during international travels to avoid such incidents.
