By Gloria Ikibah

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the discharge and acquittal of three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, who had been arrested in Saudi Arabia on drug trafficking charges.

Abba, Malah, and Gamboi were arrested on 5th March 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, following the detention of two Nigerian nationals caught with substantial amounts of cocaine.

The women were detained as suspected accomplices but have now been cleared of all charges after spending 10 months in detention.

In a statement sign by the Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry credited the outcome to “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements” between Nigerian and Saudi authorities. Their release was finalized with the intervention of Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, led by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya.

“This case, which attracted much attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, highlights the importance of strong diplomatic ties and persistent efforts to ensure justice,” Ebienfa stated

The acquitted women have been handed over to Nigerian authorities in Jeddah and are undergoing immigration processing for their return to Nigeria, where they will reunite with their families.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian citizens abroad.

…says the criminals are devilish

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to crackdown on vandals responsible for the removal of sewage manhole covers along Abuja highways, following the arrest of several suspects by security agencies.

Speaking on the alarming trend, Minister Wike condemned the actions of the criminals, describing them as “devilish and reckless,” and emphasized that such acts endanger public safety and undermine the government’s efforts to provide essential infrastructure.

“It is disheartening that funds meant for public welfare are being sabotaged by unscrupulous individuals who strip vital infrastructure for selfish gains,” Wike said.

He further revealed that ongoing investigations aim to uncover the entire network involved, including the buyers and collaborators fueling the vandalism.

The Minister vowed that no offender would go unpunished, stressing that law enforcement agencies have been directed to “track down and prosecute all culprits involved in the crime.”

Minister Wike praised the vigilance of ordinary Nigerians, especially the concerned citizen who captured and shared a viral video of the vandalism in progress.

He lauded the action as an example of “patriotism and civic responsibility,” urging more citizens to join efforts in safeguarding public assets.

“This is the kind of patriotism Nigeria needs. I commend the individual who raised the alarm, and I encourage others to speak out whenever they notice such destructive behavior,” Wike added.

Following Wike’s directive, relevant stakeholders, including the FCT Department of Development Control and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), have stepped up measures to monitor and protect public infrastructure.

These agencies are also working to strengthen collaboration with security operatives to prevent further acts of vandalism.

Wike disclosed that additional updates on the ongoing investigation and arrests would be shared with the public, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling the menace head-on.
In light of the incident, the Minister called on Abuja residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around public infrastructure to security agencies.

“We all have a duty to protect what belongs to us collectively. This administration will not tolerate any act that endangers lives or reverses developmental progress,” he concluded.

With arrests already made and investigations ongoing, residents await further developments as the FCT Administration intensifies efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and hold vandals .