Foreign Affairs: Saudi Arabia pardons 3 Nigerian for cocaine possession

Three Nigerian women Captured in Saudi Arabia on Cocaine possession charges have been pardoned by the government. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued this update in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Ebienfa verified that the women’s release was due to extensive diplomatic efforts between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The women, named Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were Captured for allegedly carrying a substance believed to be cocaine during their pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

On March 5, 2024, the trio was taken into custody at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and held for 10 months before being pardoned and set free.

Their capture was tied to the prior arrest of two Nigerian nationals caught with 80 cocaine capsules weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams.

The women were believed to have contributed to the trafficking of these illicit substances, which led to their detention by Saudi authorities.

The Capture received widespread attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

After lengthy diplomatic and legal processes, the women were cleared of charges and handed over to the Nigerian Consulate-General in Jeddah.

Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, extended a warm welcome to them, and they are currently waiting for the necessary immigration steps before returning home to Nigeria to be with their loved ones, the statement concluded.