by Omowumi Omotosho
The Saudi Arabian government has set free three Nigerian women previously detained on allegations of cocaine possession.
This development was confirmed through a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to Ebienfa, the release was a result of extensive diplomatic negotiations between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
The women, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian authorities detained them at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, on March 5, 2024, after allegedly discovering a substance suspected to be cocaine in their possession.
Following 10 months in detention, the women were eventually released.
“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 women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating 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 Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
“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.
“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” the statement read.
