Saudi Arabian government has released three Nigerian women earlier arrested for possession of cocaine.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Sunday in Abuja.
According to the ministry, the release of the women followed high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
The statement listed the released Nigerian women as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi. The women were arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
They were apprehended on March 5, 2024 at the Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.
The statement added, “The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abeting 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 subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.
“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”
