By Wellington Jopelo
Not fewer than three Nigerian nationals detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2025 have been released after Saudi authorities concluded that they had no involvement in an attempt to smuggle prohibited substances through Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the release and full lifting of the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi. The trio had been arrested following the discovery of prohibited items in luggage fraudulently linked to their flight tickets by criminal syndicates operating out of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
According to the ministry, once the arrests were reported, the Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi officials, notified Abuja, and sought the involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to support investigations. The mission also ensured continuous contact with detainees, conducted regular prison visits, and provided legal representation.
Following a series of investigations, Saudi authorities cleared all three Nigerians of wrongdoing and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025. The temporary travel ban placed during the review has since been lifted.
Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025, while the travel restrictions on Sadieq were lifted on December 2, 2025. The Nigerian Mission in Jeddah is finalising travel arrangements for his return.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and professionalism, acknowledging the critical roles played by the NDLEA and the Consulate in securing justice.