The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the acquittal and release of three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—after nearly ten months in detention in Saudi Arabia on drug trafficking charges.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Initially accused of abetting drug trafficking, their detention was linked to the arrests of two other Nigerian nationals found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams.
In a statement issued by Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry clarified that the women were not directly involved in possessing the drugs. “The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abetting the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians,” the statement explained.
The case drew significant attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, sparking diplomatic efforts to secure their release. After months of legal battles and negotiations, the women were discharged and acquitted of all charges.
The trio was handed over to the Nigerian consulate in Jeddah, where they were warmly received by the Consul-General of Nigeria, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya. They are now completing immigration procedures and are expected to return to Nigeria soon to reunite with their families.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed gratitude for the successful resolution of the case and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens abroad.