KEHINDE FAJOBI
Three Nigerian women arrested and prosecuted in Saudi Arabia for alleged drug possession have been released after 10 months in detention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Sunday by Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the release followed “high-level diplomatic engagement” between Nigerian and Saudi authorities.
The women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi—were arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, during a pilgrimage.
They were suspected of involvement in drug trafficking after two Nigerians were caught with cocaine capsules.
“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 900.28g and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5g, respectively,” the statement read.
It added that the women were held on suspicion of aiding the trafficking of the banned substances but were ultimately discharged and acquitted after “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements.”
The women were handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where Ambassador Muazam received them.
The Ministry acknowledged the significant attention the case drew in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, describing the outcome as a diplomatic victory.