Saudi authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah for four weeks over allegations of drug trafficking. The pilgrims—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq—regained their freedom after intense diplomatic and security interventions.
According to Mediaplusng.com, their release followed weeks of engagement between the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), and officials of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia. The intervention received full backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key support from the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Investigations by the NDLEA revealed that a drug syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano tagged illicit drug-laden bags with the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims. The victims had boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight on August 6, 2025, to Jeddah for lesser hajj before being arrested. Mediaplusng.com reports that NDLEA’s probe led to the arrest of suspected kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, alongside three accomplices, including airline staff. Charges have since been filed against the syndicate.
Armed with evidence proving the innocence of the pilgrims, Marwa pressed Saudi authorities at different levels. His efforts, backed by Nigeria’s leadership, led to the release of one pilgrim on September 14 and the other two on September 15, 2025.
Reacting to the development, Marwa praised the Saudi GDNC for respecting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies. He commended President Tinubu for ensuring that no Nigerian is unjustly punished abroad. “The biggest support came from President Tinubu, who is committed to protecting Nigerians worldwide. We also appreciate the AGF, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, and the NSA for their assistance,” he said.
