Three Nigerian women acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia

By Kunle Sanni

After 10 months in detention, three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gambo—have been acquitted of drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, following the seizure of cocaine from two other Nigerian nationals.

The Saudi authorities detained the trio on suspicion of being accomplices in the trafficking of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 grams and 70 capsules weighing 789.5 grams, found on the two men earlier arrested.

Their case garnered significant attention in both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, prompting extensive diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that their release was secured through prolonged engagements with Saudi authorities.

Following their acquittal, the women were handed over to Nigeria’s Consulate-General in Jeddah, where they were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Consul-General of Nigeria. They are currently undergoing immigration processes and are expected to return to Nigeria