3 Nigerian Women Released After 10 Months in Saudi Jail Over Cocaine Trafficking

Three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, who had been detained in Saudi Arabia for 10 months on charges of drug trafficking, have been acquitted and released. Their freedom was confirmed by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement on Sunday, highlighting the significant role that diplomatic and legal efforts played in securing their release.

The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah after two Nigerians were apprehended with 1.69 kilograms of cocaine capsules. The three women faced charges of aiding and abetting drug trafficking, a serious offense in Saudi Arabia.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia, have been released after spending 10 months in detention,” the statement read.

The case, which attracted significant attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, was resolved after months of diplomatic negotiations. The women were released following protracted legal engagements, which led to their discharge and acquittal.

After their release, the women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, where they were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Consul-General of Nigeria. They are currently undergoing immigration processes and are expected to return to Nigeria soon to reunite with their families.