- The women regained their freedom after a high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities
The Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian women who were apprehended for possession of cocaine.
The Nigerians were released after 10 months in detention following their arrest on March 5, 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah.
According to the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the women regained their freedom after a high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
In a statement by the spokesman of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday in Abuja, the released Nigerian women were given as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi.
He disclosed that they were arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“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.
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