The Federal Government has announced the release of three Nigerian nationals earlier detained in Saudi Arabia after being wrongfully linked to prohibited substances discovered in their luggage at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, in August 2025.
The confirmation was contained in a statement shared on the Nigerian Presidency’s X handle on Thursday. Those released were identified as Mr. Abdulhamid Sadie, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi.
According to the government, the trio was arrested after Saudi authorities discovered prohibited items in baggage fraudulently tagged to their tickets by criminal syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA)—without their knowledge or involvement.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi authorities, alerted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, and sought the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to aid investigations. The Nigerian Mission also maintained consistent communication with Saudi officials, conducted prison visits, and secured legal representation for the detainees.
Following extensive investigation, Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of all allegations.
The statement noted: “Mrs. Maryam Husseini Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025, while the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadie was lifted on November 2, 2025. Arrangements for his return are currently underway.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the cooperation and professionalism of Saudi authorities and praised the critical roles played by the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in securing justice for the affected citizens.
The government added that the successful resolution underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the protection and welfare of its nationals abroad, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine.
