Three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, have been acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia after spending 10 months in detention.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport Innin Madinah, following the seizure of cocaine from two other Nigerians.
Initially suspected of abetting drug trafficking, the women were detained while Saudi authorities investigated their involvement. After prolonged diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they were cleared of all charges.
Following their acquittal, the women were handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where they were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya. They are now completing immigration formalities and are expected to return home to reunite with their families.