Three Nigerian women arrested in Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage and tried for alleged cocaine trafficking have been released.
Acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa stated in a release issued in Abuja that the three ladies’ release followed high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
The three namely: Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi were arrested for alleged possession of 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 the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.
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 Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” Ebienfa stated.
