Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, who were arrested and prosecuted for alleged possession of cocaine while on pilgrimage in the country.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and spent 10 months in detention before their release.
The release of the women followed high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting-Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government’s efforts paid off after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in the women’s discharge and acquittal.
The women were received by Amb. Muazam after their release, marking a successful outcome for the Nigerian government’s efforts to secure their freedom.
The statement read, “The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.
“The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.
“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam.”
