Three Nigerian Women Acquitted of Drug Trafficking Charges in Saudi Arabia
Oru Leonard
In a welcome turn of events, three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, have been discharged and acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia. The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and spent 10 months in detention.
Their arrest was linked to the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found with cocaine capsules weighing 900.28 gm and 789.5 gm, respectively. The Saudi authorities suspected the women of being accomplices, leading to their detention.
After prolonged diplomatic and legal efforts, the women were finally released and handed over to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah. They were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya and are currently awaiting immigration processes to return to Nigeria and reunite with their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the women’s release, stating that their successful acquittal was a result of collaborative efforts between Nigerian and Saudi authorities.
