The Federal Government announced the release of three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—detained in Saudi Arabia on allegations of drug trafficking. Their freedom follows 10 months of diplomatic and legal engagements by Nigerian authorities, culminating in their acquittal.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah after suspicions arose that they were accomplices to two other Nigerians caught with 80 and 70 capsules of cocaine. Despite the gravity of the charges, prolonged efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secured their discharge and subsequent handover to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah.
In a statement, the acting spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, highlighted the challenges faced during the case, which drew significant attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, received the women, who are now completing immigration processes to return home and reunite with their families.
This development underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad while addressing complex legal and diplomatic issues. The release serves as a testament to the success of prolonged advocacy and strategic international collaboration.
