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Three Nigerian women have survived what could have had dire consequences for their lives after they were acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia.
The trio, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi and Hadiza Abba, ran into trouble on March 5, 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, following the interception of 80 capsules of cocaine from two other Nigerian nationals.
“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 abetting 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 the Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,” it added.
The women were handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where Ambassador Muazam Nayaya received them and currently undergoing immigration processes to return home and reunite with their loved ones.
“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,” it added.
“The ladies were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”
