Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah last month over alleged drug trafficking.
This was announced on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Advocacy at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi.
The released individuals are:
- Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi
- Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu
- Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq
According to Babafemi, their release followed weeks of high-level diplomatic engagement led by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.
He noted that these efforts were strongly supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and facilitated by key government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The three Nigerians had been wrongfully arrested after arriving in Jeddah on an Ethiopian Airlines flight (ET940) from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on August 6, 2025, for lesser hajj. Investigations later revealed that a drug syndicate had planted illicit substances in bags tagged with their names.
Following complaints from the victims’ families, the NDLEA launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (a.k.a. Bello Karama), and three accomplices, including airline personnel. The others arrested include Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. All four have been formally charged.
With the evidence gathered during the investigation, including proof of the pilgrims’ innocence and formal charges against the actual culprits, Marwa engaged in multiple discussions with Saudi authorities. These discussions took place at various levels and locations, including Saudi Arabia, in alignment with President Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad.
As a result, one of the detained pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, 2025, while the remaining two were freed the following day, Monday, September 15, 2025.
Marwa expressed appreciation to his Saudi counterpart for honoring the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NDLEA and GDNC, which emphasizes collaboration and mutual support.
“The biggest support came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that Nigerians are treated fairly and respectfully wherever they are in the world,” Marwa said.
He also extended gratitude to all government officials who played critical roles in securing the pilgrims’ release.
