January 05, (THEWILL) – The Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian women arrested for alleged drug trafficking.
The three women; Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
They were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Sunday by the acting spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.
“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 Jedda.
“Upon their release, the women were warmly welcomed by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya. They are currently undergoing immigration procedures in anticipation of their return to Nigeria, where they will reunite with their families.”
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