The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the release of three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, who were detained in Saudi Arabia for 10 months on drug trafficking charges.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah after two other Nigerian nationals were caught with over 1.6 kilograms of cocaine. Initially suspected of being accomplices, the women faced legal proceedings that sparked significant attention in both nations.
A statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that the women were acquitted following months of diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian government. They have since been handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where they are undergoing immigration formalities before their return home.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the collaborative efforts that secured the women’s release and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to protecting its citizens abroad.
