3 NIGERIAN WOMEN FREED AFTER MONTHS OF DETENTION IN SAUDI ARABIA OVER DRUG TRAFFICKING ALLEGATIONS 05-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the release of Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, who were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
A statement by the ministry expalains that their detention followed the arrest of two other Nigerians found with a total of 1.69 kilograms of cocaine.
The three women were accused of being accomplices but have now been discharged and acquitted after 10 months in custody.
The Ministry attributed their release to prolonged diplomatic and legal efforts.
It says they were handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where they were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya.
The women are now awaiting immigration clearance to return home and reunite with their families.
The Ministry thanked all stakeholders for their support in securing the women’s freedom.