Twenty-three Nigerians are on the death row in Saudi Arabia. They may be beheaded any time from now. Besides, 11 are serving various jail terms for drug trafficking in the kingdom and their names are:
- Halimat Oyebanjo Oyaya 10yrs
- Sherifat Shawni 4 yrs
- Limata Ahmad 10yrs
- Halimat Isah 5yrs
- Olubumi Adejarani Olaniyan 10yrs
- Omobolanle Funke 15yrs
- Nuratu Bolanle Yusuf 15yrs
- Maryam Ibrahim Tanko 7yrs
- Rahma Abdulkarim 20yrs
- Nuratu Yusuf Abike 20yrs
- Bolaji Kehinde 10yrs
- Yasirat Abolanle Salau – awaiting trial
Another suspected trafficker is awaiting trial.
The 23 death row inmates could not be named for “diplomatic and sensitivity” reasons.
Unless President Muhammadu Buhari intervenes, the death toll could be higher, a source said.
The “late” response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a memo from the Nigerian Consul-General, Amb. M. S. Yunusa, is believed to have contributed to the execution of a Nigerian woman, Kudirat Adeshola Afolabi about two weeks ago.
It was learnt that the ministry had been “diplomatically slow” in responding to issues connected with Nigerians.
No ministry official was willing to comment on the allegation yesterday.
He said the nation should endeavour to use its diplomatic bond with Saudi Arabia to seek pardon for all our compatriots condemned to death and for those serving various jail terms.
But more worrisome to the Consul-General is what he believe is the security lapse at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, which is being used for massive drug trafficking.
The envoy admitted that there is a drug syndicate at the airport.
He alleged that the syndicate in cahoots with greedy airline officials at MAKIA were checking in extra bags containing prohibited drugs.
He said members of the syndicate had been using particulars of innocent passengers and baggage tags to smuggle drugs leading to the arrest of Nigerians who had no links with drug trafficking.
The Consul-General made five recommendations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, including the need to seek clemency for innocent Nigerians held for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia.
The recommendations are:
- Enhancement of security surveillance by installing functional CCTV cameras at the checking-in counters and other sensitive areas of airports in Nigeria;
- Henceforth, Nigeria Airport Management Authority (NAMA) in collaboration with other relevant security agencies should institute a compulsory baggage identification procedure before boarding for all checked-in luggage;
- Every passenger should check in his/her luggage personally and not through third parties;
- The trial of those found culpable for checking-in extra-baggage’s using the identities of victims should be pursued expeditiously and the attested copies of the judgments be made available to the Mission for onward transmission to our host authorities as proof that the culprits were punished in accordance with our laws; and
- The Federal Government should henceforth, appeal for clemency and pardon for all our compatriots condemned to death and for those serving various jail terms.
