Three Nigerian women accused of drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted after spending 10 months in detention.
The announcement was made on Sunday in a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who credited the release to persistent diplomatic and legal efforts.
The acquitted women, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, were arrested on March 5, 2024, at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah.
Their detention followed the seizure of cocaine from two other Nigerian nationals.
The drugs, consisting of 80 capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams, prompted Saudi authorities to charge the three women with abetting drug trafficking.
“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 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams, respectively,” the ministry’s statement explained.
ALSO READ: Odobotu Community Celebrates Botu Day 2025 In Grand Style
The case drew widespread attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, underscoring the plight of Nigerians accused of drug trafficking abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the arduous diplomatic negotiations and legal advocacy undertaken to secure the women’s release.
“After prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, the trio’s discharge and acquittal were secured. They have been handed over to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, where Ambassador Muazam Nayaya received them,” the statement added.
