Three Nigerian pilgrims earlier detained in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on allegations of drug trafficking have regained their freedom after four weeks in custody.
The released pilgrims are Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq.
Their discharge followed weeks of sustained diplomatic engagements led by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), in collaboration with the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
The effort had the backing of President Bola Tinubu and the support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
The three pilgrims had travelled on Ethiopian Airline flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6, 2025, for lesser hajj in Jeddah.
Unknown to them, a drug syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) had tagged bags containing illicit substances in their names, leading to their arrest on arrival.
Following complaints from their families, NDLEA launched an investigation, which exposed a syndicate led by 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama.
He was arrested alongside three others, including airline officials, for masterminding the drug shipment. They have since been charged with drug trafficking.
Armed with these findings and evidence proving the pilgrims’ innocence, Marwa engaged Saudi authorities at different levels, in line with President Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should suffer unjustly abroad.
One of the pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, while the remaining two regained their freedom on Monday, September 15, 2025.
Marwa commended his Saudi counterpart for honouring the Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and GDNC, stressing that the development was a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
“The biggest support for our effort came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian receives respect and fair treatment wherever they are.
“That has played out in this case, as no Nigerian should be punished for crimes they know nothing about,” Marwa said.
He also expressed appreciation to the ministers and security chiefs who provided support throughout the diplomatic process.
