Saudi Arabia releases 3 Nigerian women arrested for possession of cocaine

The Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian women who were arrested for possession of cocaine.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the spokesman of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday in Abuja.

Ebienfa said the release of the women followed high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

He listed the released Nigerian women as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi. They were arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The Nigerians were apprehended on March 5, 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

“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 said