Three Nigerian women, who were arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia, have been discharged and acquitted after spending 10 months in detention.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting the importance of the diplomatic engagements that led to the women’s release.
The women —Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi— were arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah.
Their detention followed the arrest of two Nigerians who were found in possession of cocaine capsules weighing a total of 1.69 kilograms.
The women were held on suspicion of aiding and abetting the trafficking of narcotics.
The case, which garnered attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, was resolved following extensive diplomatic and legal efforts.
After their acquittal, the women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah and received by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya. They are currently undergoing immigration processes to return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.
A statement by the ministry on Sunday read, “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 the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia, have been released after spending 10 months in detention.
“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 Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement read.
