After being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for over a month on accusations of drug trafficking, three Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully released thanks to concerted efforts by the Nigerian government.
The individuals freed include Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, who had been detained for four weeks by Saudi authorities.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), announced that their liberation was the result of persistent diplomatic negotiations minister-on-shettima-snub-claims-for-2027/” title=”'Only Tinubu can choose his running mate' — … on Shettima ‘snub’ claims for 2027″>led by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (retired) with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.
Babafemi emphasized that these efforts were strongly supported by President Bola Tinubu and facilitated by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
Further backing came from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, all of whom played key roles in the discussions that led to the pilgrims’ release.
The incident traces back to a criminal network operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano, where traffickers concealed illegal drugs in luggage labeled with the names of the three unsuspecting Nigerians. These pilgrims had boarded Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 on August 6, 2025, en route to Jeddah for the lesser hajj.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the trio was apprehended on suspicion of drug trafficking.
Following complaints from the families of the detained pilgrims after their pilgrimage, the NDLEA launched a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
The inquiry led to the arrest of Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, a 55-year-old alleged drug lord, along with three accomplices, including airline personnel implicated in smuggling the narcotics that resulted in the wrongful detention of the pilgrims in Jeddah.
Legal proceedings have since been initiated against Abubakar and his associates, including Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.
Armed with the findings from the NDLEA’s investigation, the charges against the syndicate members, and evidence affirming the innocence of the detained pilgrims, Brig. Gen. Marwa engaged his Saudi counterparts. This action aligned with President Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should face unjust treatment abroad.
As a result of these diplomatic efforts, one of the detained Nigerians was released on Sunday, September 14, 2025, followed by the other two on Monday, September 15, 2025.
General Marwa expressed his gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Saudi GDNC, highlighting the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies that fosters collaboration and mutual support.
“President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigerians receive fair and respectful treatment worldwide was pivotal in this case,” Marwa stated.
“This outcome reflects our shared resolve that no Nigerian should be wrongfully penalized for offenses they did not commit, regardless of where they are.”
He also acknowledged the crucial support from Attorney General Prince Fagbemi, Ambassador Tuggar, Minister Keyamo, and National Security Adviser Mallam Ribadu, all of whom remained actively involved throughout the process.
