Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi were initially arrested in connection with the apprehension of two other Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of a significant quantity of cocaine. While the women were not directly involved in the drug trafficking, they were charged with complicity in the crime.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced their release on January 5, 2025, crediting “protracted diplomatic and legal negotiations” for securing their freedom. The women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate General in Jeddah and are currently awaiting their return to Nigeria.
This successful resolution of the case is a significant diplomatic achievement, given Saudi Arabia’s typically strict stance on drug-related offenses.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA