Three Nigerian women who were arrested and convicted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been released and acquitted after ten months in prison.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, confirmed the development on Sunday, emphasising the significance of the diplomatic efforts that resulted in the women’s release.
The women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—were detained on March 5, 2024, at 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 arrested on charges of assisting and abetting drug trafficking.
The matter, which drew attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, was resolved after lengthy diplomatic and judicial efforts.
After being acquitted, the women were turned over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah.
They were welcomed by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, and are currently completing immigration procedures to return to Nigeria and rejoin their families.
“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 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 are currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement read.
