Three Nigerian women, who had been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for nearly 10 months on drug trafficking charges, have been released following high-level diplomatic negotiations.
The women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested in March 2024 at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for allegedly possessing a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage.
The acting spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed their release in a statement issued on January 5, 2025.
Ebienfa noted that the release followed intense diplomatic efforts between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities, ultimately resulting in the women’s discharge and acquittal.
The incident began when two Nigerian nationals were arrested for trafficking cocaine, with authorities discovering 80 capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams.
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The three women were detained on suspicion of being accomplices or involved in abetting the drug trafficking operation.
The case quickly attracted significant attention both in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, given its sensitive nature and the involvement of Nigerian citizens.
After nearly 10 months of legal and diplomatic engagement, the three women were acquitted and handed over to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Jeddah.
Ambassador Muazam Nayaya personally received the women, who are now awaiting the completion of immigration procedures before returning to Nigeria to reunite with their families.
This successful outcome marks a significant achievement for Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia and highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing legal matters involving citizens abroad.