Saudi Arabian authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah for over four weeks on allegations of drug trafficking, following decisive interventions by Nigerian government officials and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The released pilgrims are Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, who were arrested after arriving in Jeddah on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano on August 6, 2025, for the lesser hajj.
Investigations by the NDLEA revealed that a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport fraudulently tagged bags containing illicit drugs with the pilgrims’ names, leading to their wrongful arrest.
The probe, personally ordered by NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), uncovered the involvement of a drug kingpin, Mohammed Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), and three accomplices — Celestina Yayock, Abdulbasit Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir — including airline staff. Charges have since been filed against them.
Marwa, with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu, engaged directly with Saudi authorities, supported by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN); and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
One of the victims was released last Sunday, while the remaining two regained their freedom on Monday.
Speaking on the development, Marwa commended Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) for honoring the Nigeria–Saudi MoU on anti-narcotics cooperation, stressing that no Nigerian should suffer for crimes they did not commit.
“The biggest support of our effort on this case came from President Tinubu who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets their deserved respect and fair treatment wherever they are across the world,” Marwa stated.
The NDLEA further vowed to dismantle networks exploiting Nigeria’s aviation system for drug trafficking and assured citizens of stronger preventive measures.
The release of the pilgrims is seen as a landmark success in inter-agency collaboration and a strong signal of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens globally.
Read More:
Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Accuses DSS of Concealment Over IPOB Leader’s Failing Health
