Three Nigerian pilgrims who were arrested in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on allegations of drug trafficking have regained their freedom after nearly a month in detention.
Their release, announced on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, followed weeks of sustained diplomatic negotiations and a high-level investigation that revealed their innocence.
The freed pilgrims — Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi, Mrs. Bahijja Abdullahi, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq — had travelled from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 to perform the lesser hajj.
Their trip, however, took an unfortunate turn when Saudi authorities found narcotics-laden bags tagged with their names upon arrival.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, who represented Marwa at the press briefing, explained that investigations in Nigeria quickly established that the pilgrims had no knowledge of the contraband.
Instead, a drug syndicate operating out of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport was discovered to have planted the bags.
The mastermind, identified as 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, was arrested alongside three airline officials: Celestina Yayock, Abdulbasit Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. The four are now facing charges in Nigerian courts for their role in the scheme.
Marwa emphasized that the breakthrough was possible due to strong collaboration between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, as well as the backing of President Bola Tinubu, who directed that no Nigerian should be unjustly punished abroad.
ALSO READ: NDLEA busts syndicate trafficking cocaine via Hajj pilgrims
He acknowledged the active roles played by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo; and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Marwa, the NDLEA presented the results of its investigation, court filings against the syndicate members, and supporting evidence to Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control.
These efforts convinced Saudi officials of the pilgrims’ innocence. One pilgrim was released on September 14, while the other two were freed the following day.
“This outcome demonstrates the value of international cooperation and Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens,” Marwa said.
He also commended the Saudi GDNC for honouring the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation signed between both agencies, noting that the case set a precedent for future collaboration.
He further stressed that the support of President Tinubu was crucial in securing the release, describing the President’s stance as a clear signal that Nigerians will be respected and treated fairly abroad. “No Nigerian will be unjustly punished for crimes they did not commit anywhere in the world,” he reaffirmed.
NAN
