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.