Saudi Arabia releases three Nigerians after 10 months in jail over drugs

Three Nigerian ladies who were arrested and prosecuted by Saudi Arabian authorities have been released

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja by Kimiebi Ebienfa, he Acting-Spokesperson of the Ministry, the release followed high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The three Nigerians, namely: Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested for allegedly possessing a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

According to the statement, they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5,  2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

The statement read, “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 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.

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

“The Ministry wishes to recall 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 Jedda.

“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam.