Tinubu’s Government Secures Release Of Three Nigerian Women Arrested For Drug Trafficking In Saudi Arabia

The Federal Government has announced the release of three Nigerians—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—who were detained and prosecuted in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that their freedom was achieved after extensive diplomatic negotiations and legal efforts.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals – Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi – arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, have been released after spending 10 months in detention.

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 grammes and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5 grammes, respectively.

The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abetting the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

The ministry recalls that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover 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 reads.