In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were wrongfully detained in Jeddah for over a month on suspicion of drug trafficking.
According to news, those freed include Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, who had been in custody since August 2025 after bags tagged in their names were found to contain illicit drugs.
Their release followed four weeks of intense negotiations led by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia. The intervention had the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the support of top government officials including:
- Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi
- Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar
- Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
- National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
How It Happened
The pilgrims, who travelled aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, were victims of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Bags containing illicit drugs were allegedly tagged with their names without their knowledge.
Following petitions from the victims’ families, NDLEA launched a high-level investigation that uncovered a major drug cartel. The probe led to the arrest of the syndicate leader, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama, 55), alongside three accomplices: Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. Some airline officials were also implicated in the scandal. Charges have since been filed against the suspects in Nigeria.
Armed with evidence proving the pilgrims’ innocence, NDLEA boss Marwa personally engaged his Saudi counterpart to ensure justice. The efforts paid off, as one pilgrim was released on September 14, and the remaining two on September 15, 2025.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Its Citizens Abroad
Expressing joy over the resolution, Marwa praised the Saudi GDNC for honoring the Memorandum of Understanding between the two agencies. He emphasized President Tinubu’s determination to protect Nigerians from unjust treatment abroad.
“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 said.
“No Nigerian should ever be unjustly punished for crimes they know nothing about. We are grateful to the Attorney General, the Foreign Affairs Minister, the Aviation Minister, and the National Security Adviser for their support throughout this case.”
This development not only secures freedom for the innocent pilgrims but also strengthens international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking while safeguarding Nigeria’s global image.
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