Saudi Arabian authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah for over a month over alleged drug trafficking. The individuals, identified as Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, were arrested in August 2025 after arriving in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj. Their release followed weeks of diplomatic interventions and investigations by Nigerian authorities.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that the pilgrims were victims of a drug syndicate operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The syndicate had tagged bags containing illicit drugs with the pilgrims’ names without their knowledge. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) led the efforts to prove their innocence, engaging with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) and presenting evidence from a thorough investigation.
President Bola Tinubu, alongside key Nigerian officials including the Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Aviation, provided full support to secure the pilgrims’ release. The NDLEA’s investigation led to the arrest of a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), and three accomplices, including airline officials. Charges have been filed against the suspects in Nigeria.
One pilgrim was released on September 14, 2025, and the remaining two on September 15. The NDLEA commended Saudi authorities for upholding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two agencies and ensuring justice for the innocent Nigerians.
This case highlights the dangers posed by criminal networks targeting unsuspecting travelers and the importance of international collaboration in addressing such issues. The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring they are not unjustly punished for crimes they did not commit.
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