Saudi authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims earlier detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of sustained engagement between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
By Chimezie Godfrey
Saudi authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims earlier detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of sustained engagement between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
The freed Nigerians are Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq. They regained their freedom after four weeks in detention, having been linked to bags tagged with their names by a drug syndicate operating from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
According to NDLEA, the syndicate had planted illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting pilgrims travelling on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano for Jeddah on 6th August 2025. The manipulation led to their arrest in Saudi Arabia after performing the lesser hajj.
Investigations ordered by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), revealed the involvement of a drug cartel led by 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), alongside three accomplices—Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. The suspects, including some airline officials, have since been charged to court in Nigeria.
Armed with this evidence, NDLEA engaged Saudi authorities to establish the innocence of the three pilgrims. One of the detainees was freed on 14th September, while the other two regained their freedom on 15th September 2025.
Marwa commended the Saudi GDNC for respecting the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding between both agencies, and praised the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as key government officials.
“The biggest support of our effort came from President Tinubu who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets their deserved respect and fair treatment across the world,” Marwa stated.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Saudi Authorities Release Three Nigerian Pilgrims Detained Over Alleged Drug Trafficking
