The Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian women who were detained for alleged possession of cocaine, following diplomatic negotiations between the two countries. This was revealed in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja.
The women—identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi—were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
They were suspected of being accomplices in a drug trafficking case involving two other Nigerians. The men were previously apprehended for carrying cocaine capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 789.5 grams, respectively.
According to the ministry, the women’s arrest drew significant attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, prompting an extensive diplomatic effort to secure their release. After 10 months in detention, the women were discharged and acquitted of all charges.
“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 statement explained.
Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, received the women, who are now undergoing immigration processes before returning to their families in Nigeria.
