From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Three Nigerians arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been discharged and acquitted.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, have been released after spending 10 months in detention.
The arrest of the three women, according to Ebienfa, followed the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 g and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5 g, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abetting 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 their subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jeddah,” Ebienfa said.
Ebienfa further stated that the ladies were received by the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, and are currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.