Breaking News: Saudi Authorities Release Three Innocent Nigerian Pilgrims Detained on False Drug Trafficking Charges
On September 17, 2025, Saudi Arabian authorities released three Nigerian pilgrims who had been detained in Jeddah for over four weeks on baseless allegations of drug trafficking. The trio—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq—were framed by a criminal syndicate operating at Nigeria’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Their release follows intense diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government, including direct interventions by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Background of the Incident
- Arrest Details: The pilgrims boarded Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah via Addis Ababa on August 6, 2025, for the lesser Hajj (Umrah). Unbeknownst to them, a drug trafficking syndicate secretly tagged six additional bags—three containing illicit substances—to their names. These bags were checked in by corrupt staff from Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) at MAKIA, leading to their detention upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
- Syndicate Exposed: NDLEA investigations, prompted by complaints from the pilgrims’ families, uncovered the plot. A 55-year-old kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), along with five accomplices (including airline officials), was arrested in Nigeria. Charges have been filed against the group for orchestrating the framing.
Path to Freedom
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) led the resolution by sharing evidence with his Saudi counterpart at the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC). This included:
- Proof of the syndicate’s involvement.
- Confirmation that the pilgrims had no knowledge of the drugs.
- Compliance with a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NDLEA and GDNC.
President Tinubu’s directive ensured no Nigerian suffers unjustly abroad, with assistance from Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi. Marwa praised the Saudi GDNC for swift action, stating, “The biggest support came from President Tinubu, committed to ensuring every Nigerian gets respect and fair treatment worldwide.”
One family member, Abdullahi Hussaini (husband of Maryam Abdullahi Hussaini), confirmed the release to reporters, saying he received a call the previous day and was reuniting with her.
Broader Context
This incident echoes earlier cases, such as the January 2025 release of three other Nigerian women (Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi) after 10 months in Saudi detention for a similar cocaine-related framing during pilgrimage. These events underscore vulnerabilities in airport security and the effectiveness of Nigeria-Saudi diplomatic ties in protecting citizens.
The pilgrims are expected to return to Nigeria soon. NDLEA has reiterated warnings against drug trafficking, noting Saudi Arabia’s strict penalties, including the death sentence. Families and officials celebrated the outcome as a victory for justice.