Get Guardian on GoogleThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured the release of three Nigerians wrongfully detained in Saudi Arabia on allegations of drug trafficking.
The individuals, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq, were arrested on August 6, 2025, in Jeddah after arriving on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Kano. They spent four weeks in detention after bags containing illicit drugs were found tagged with their names.
Following complaints from their families, the NDLEA launched an investigation, which uncovered a drug syndicate operating at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The probe led to the arrest of the alleged ringleader, 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Akubakar (alias Bello Karama), along with syndicate members Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir. Airline officials believed to be complicit are also facing charges.
Armed with the investigation report and evidence proving the trio’s innocence, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) engaged Saudi authorities to secure their freedom.
One detainee was released on September 14, while the remaining two regained freedom on September 15. All three are now en route back to Nigeria.
Marwa, represented by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, said the intervention was consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad.
He thanked the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) for its cooperation under the existing bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Nigeria will never abandon its citizens, especially when the facts clearly show that they are victims of criminal conspiracies,” Marwa stated.
He also acknowledged the support of the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), and National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in resolving the matter.
