Saudi authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah last month over alleged drug trafficking.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, said in a statement on Wednesday, that the freed Nigerians are Mrs Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr Abdulhamid Saddieq.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said their release followed weeks of engagements between the agency’s chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, and the leadership of the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
He noted that the intervention was supported by President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the NDLEA, a drug syndicate at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, had tagged bags containing illicit substances with the names of the three Nigerians, who departed for Jeddah on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 on August 6, 2025.
They were arrested on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Following complaints from their families, the NDLEA launched an investigation that led to the arrest of 55-year-old kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and three accomplices, including airline officials.
Charges have been filed against Abubakar and the others: Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.
The NDLEA said evidence from the investigation proved the innocence of the pilgrims, leading to their release, one on September 14 and the other two on September 15.
Marwa commended the Saudi authorities for their cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Saudi Arabia frees 3 Nigerians arrested for alleged drug trafficking
