Nigeria secures release of 3 pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah for alleged drug trafficking.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed their release on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, following weeks of diplomatic efforts between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, explained that their release followed an engagement between the NDLEA and the Saudi government.

He said the three pilgrims would soon arrive in the country.

“Saudi Arabia authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah since last month following their arrest over alleged drug trafficking.

“Saudi Arabia authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were detained in Jeddah since last month following their arrest over alleged drug trafficking.

“The three Nigerians who were freed from detention after four weeks in custody include Mrs Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr Abdulhamid Saddieq,” said the spokesman.

The three pilgrims were detained after a drug trafficking syndicate operating at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) secretly tagged bags containing illicit substances with their names without their knowledge or consent.

The pilgrims had boarded Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, for the lesser hajj.

The release of the pilgrims followed sustained interventions by the NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, with the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).

Marwa commended the Saudi authorities for upholding the Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and GDNC on collaboration and partnership.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian receives fair treatment abroad.

The NDLEA also confirmed the arrested a suspected drug kingpin, Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate, who were accused of planting narcotics on innocent pilgrims.

Charges have been filed against the suspects, including Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, the mastermind behind the drug trafficking syndicate, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, an accomplice who played a role in the syndicate.

Also involved in the operation is Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, Jazuli Kabir, a member of the syndicate who confessed to his role.

The NDLEA advised air passengers to always ensure the appropriate tagging of their luggage before departure to avoid being implicated by drug dealers.