Saudi Arabia frees three Nigerians after 10 years in jail

Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerians who were arrested and prosecuted for alleged possession of cocaine while on pilgrimage.

The release, announced in a statement by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, followed high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi officials.

The individuals, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were apprehended on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

After spending 10 months in detention, they were freed and have since returned to Nigeria.

The statement said, “The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.

“The women were detained by the 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.