By Ameh Gabriel
Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were wrongfully detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of high-level interventions by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
This was contained in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja on Wednesday, 17 September 2025
The pilgrims Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq were freed after spending four weeks in detention. Their release came after sustained diplomatic engagements led by NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), with the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).
The intervention was fully supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside 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.
Investigations by the NDLEA revealed that a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) had planted illicit drugs in bags tagged with the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims, who traveled on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on 6 August 2025 for lesser hajj.
The probe led to the arrest of 55-year-old kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama) and three accomplices Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir including airline officials complicit in the scheme. Charges have since been filed against them in Nigeria.
Armed with the investigation report and evidence proving the innocence of the pilgrims, Marwa engaged his Saudi counterpart at multiple levels, ensuring justice was served in line with President Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should suffer unjustly abroad. One of the pilgrims was released on 14 September, while the remaining two regained freedom on 15 September 2025.
Expressing delight at the outcome, Marwa commended Saudi authorities for honoring the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NDLEA and GDNC on collaboration.
“The biggest support of our effort on this case came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets fair treatment and respect anywhere in the world,” Marwa said.
“We also appreciate the assistance of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, and the National Security Adviser, who stood firmly with us throughout the process.”
The NDLEA reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard Nigerians against wrongful prosecution abroad while continuing its crackdown on criminal syndicates exploiting innocent citizens.
