Three Nigerian women detained in Saudi Arabia for nearly ten months on drug-related charges have been released following diplomatic efforts. The Acting Spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Sunday.
The women, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. They were accused of possessing a substance suspected to be cocaine during a pilgrimage. The arrest was linked to two other Nigerian nationals caught with significant quantities of cocaine—80 capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams, respectively. Authorities initially suspected the women were accomplices in the trafficking operation.
The case attracted widespread attention in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, prompting months of legal and diplomatic negotiations. The Nigerian government’s efforts eventually led to the women’s acquittal and their release to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Jeddah.
Ambassador Muazam received the women upon their release, bringing a challenging chapter to a close for the individuals and their families. The case highlights ongoing issues surrounding drug trafficking and the importance of international diplomatic collaboration.