FG Announces Release of Three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia

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In a development that has drawn widespread ‎relief, three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2025 have been officially cleared of all drug-trafficking charges and released, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMoFA) has announced.
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‎The trio — Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Hussein Abdullahi and Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi — were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, after Saudi authorities discovered prohibited substances in luggage that had been fraudulently tagged to them. According to the Ministry’s statement, the illicit consignment was linked to the air tickets at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano — a move orchestrated by a criminal syndicate, and beyond the detainees’ knowledge.
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‎In response to the detention, the Nigerian Embassy in Jeddah, under Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General, immediately engaged Saudi authorities and alerted the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The Embassy also sought support from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to assist in investigations. Legal representation was secured for the detainees, and regular prison visits were maintained throughout the ordeal.
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‎Following extensive diplomatic intervention and a thorough investigation, Saudi authorities concluded that the three Nigerians had no involvement in the prohibited substance smuggling. They were formally cleared on September 14 and 15, 2025, and their travel restrictions were subsequently lifted.
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‎Of the three former detainees, Maryam and Bahijah Abdullahi returned home to Nigeria on November 5, 2025. Abdulhamid Sadieq’s travel ban was only recently lifted on December 2, 2025, and the Nigerian mission is now finalizing arrangements for his return.
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‎In its official communication, the Foreign Affairs Ministry commended Riyadh for the “cooperation and professionalism” shown throughout the case. It also acknowledged the critical role played by the NDLEA and the Consulate in Jeddah in securing the just outcome. Importantly, the Ministry stated that the resolution reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad — a commitment enshrined under the “4D Doctrine” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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‎This case adds to a growing list of similar instances in which Nigerians have been detained abroad under drug-trafficking allegations only to be later exonerated following diplomatic and investigative intervention. Earlier in 2025, another group of Nigerians arrested in Saudi Arabia were discharged and acquitted after spending nearly 10 months in detention.
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‎The background to these incidents is troubling and underscores systemic vulnerabilities. According to the NDLEA, a syndicate operating at Kano’s airport reportedly “tagged” illicit cargo to the unsuspecting travellers’ luggage — a strategy that effectively exploited innocent persons for drug-smuggling schemes. The gang included airport handling staff, and the operation involved fraudulent baggage tagging and trafficking routes to Jeddah and other destinations.
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‎After the release of the three Nigerians, the NDLEA confirmed arrests had been made against several suspects believed to be part of the syndicate, including a 55-year-old kingpin identified as Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias “Bello Karama”) and other accomplices. Charges have since been filed against them.
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‎The resolution of this case has been welcomed by many as a demonstration of what sustained diplomatic pressure, legal representation, and international cooperation can achieve — especially for citizens caught in complex cross-border criminal schemes without their knowledge.
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‎As the final repatriation of Sadieq nears, there remain broader questions about travel security, airport vulnerabilities, and the ease with which criminal networks can exploit innocent travellers. The government’s success in this case, however, offers a measure of reassurance to Nigerians who travel abroad, affirming that — at least in this instance — justice prevailed.
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