Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerian women who were previously detained and punished in the country.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, January 5, 2025, that the release was the result of high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian and Saudi governments.
Three Nigerians, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for allegedly possessing a substance thought to be cocaine.
According to the statement, they were detained and convicted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and freed after a 10-month incarceration.
“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 statement read.
“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 Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, is currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
