Three Nigerian women who were detained and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted and released after spending 10 months in custody.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Sunday, highlighting the pivotal role of diplomatic efforts in securing their freedom.
The women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—were apprehended on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Their arrest was linked to an incident involving two Nigerians found with cocaine capsules weighing 1.69 kilograms.
Initially suspected of complicity in drug trafficking, the women’s case gained widespread attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Their eventual acquittal was the result of extensive diplomatic and legal negotiations.
Following their release, the women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, where Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Consul-General, welcomed them.
They are now undergoing the necessary immigration procedures to facilitate their return home and reunite with their families.
A statement issued by the ministry on Sunday read, “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 the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz 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 Jeddah.
“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.”
