Saudi Arabia has freed three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained for alleged drug trafficking, following an investigation that revealed they were innocent victims of a criminal syndicate operating at a Nigerian airport.
Key details of the case:
- The Pilgrims: The three Nigerians, identified as Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, were arrested in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, after bags containing illicit drugs were tagged with their names without their knowledge.
- The Syndicate: An investigation by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered a sophisticated drug trafficking syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). This group, including a suspected drug kingpin and airline officials, secretly checked in bags containing drugs under the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims.
- Intervention: The release of the pilgrims came after weeks of sustained diplomatic and security engagements. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), presented the findings of the Nigerian investigation and evidence of the pilgrims’ innocence to the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
- Nigerian Government Support: The effort was carried out with the full support of the Nigerian government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and assistance from key ministers and officials.
- Arrests in Nigeria: The NDLEA has since arrested the 55-year-old alleged drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and several members of his syndicate. Charges have been filed against them in Nigeria.
The case highlights the dangers posed by criminal cartels that exploit innocent travelers and underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and diplomatic efforts in protecting citizens abroad. One of the pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, and the other two on Monday, September 15.
