The Federal Government has commended the authorities in Saudi Arabia for releasing three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking, a development that highlights successful diplomacy and inter-agency collaboration.
The three; Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport when illicit substances were found in luggage fraudulently linked to their air tickets by a criminal syndicate operating at Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their knowledge.
After investigations by the Saudi authorities, supported by the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the detainees were cleared of all charges. The travel bans on the women have been lifted and they returned to Nigeria in November; arrangements are being finalised for Sadieq’s return following the lifting of his travel ban on December 2, 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the release as reflective of the strength of diplomatic engagement under the 4D Doctrine of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration — stressing the government’s commitment to defending the rights of Nigerians abroad.
The government expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities, the Consular mission in Jeddah, and NDLEA for their professionalism and collaboration in achieving this outcome, reaffirming Nigeria’s pledge to protect citizens overseas.
