Crystal Dike
The Federal Government has confirmed the release of three Nigerians who were detained in Saudi Arabia over alleged drug trafficking, after authorities cleared them of all wrongdoing.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the three Nigerians had been in custody since August 2025 following an attempt to smuggle prohibited substances through the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah.
According to the ministry, immediately the arrests were reported, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, engaged Saudi authorities and notified the ministry headquarters in Abuja. He also sought the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to support investigations.
“The mission maintained continuous engagement with the host authorities, ensured regular prison visits, and arranged legal representation for the detainees,” the statement said.
After a series of investigations, Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of any involvement in the crime and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025. A temporary travel restriction placed on them during the security review has since been lifted.
The ministry disclosed that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025, while the travel ban on Sadieq was lifted on December 2, 2025. It added that arrangements are being finalised for his return to Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the Saudi authorities for their cooperation and professionalism throughout the process and acknowledged the pivotal role played by the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah in securing a just outcome.
It added that the development aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine.