Abuja / Riyadh — December 3, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Saudi authorities have freed three Nigerian nationals two women and a man who were detained in August 2025 on suspicion of smuggling illicit substances, after investigations found they were victims of a bag-tagging syndicate operating at Kano airport.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the freed Nigerians Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq travelled from Kano to Jeddah on 6 August 2025 under the pretext of lesser Hajj. Their luggage was reportedly swapped by a criminal syndicate at the departure point: extra bags containing illicit drugs were checked in under their names without their knowledge.
After tracing the smuggling ring, the NDLEA arrested the alleged mastermind identified as Mohammed Ali Abubakar (aka Bello Karama) along with several accomplices. Through diplomatic engagement and cooperation with Saudi authorities, the Nigerian government presented evidence proving the trio’s innocence, leading to their release in September 2025.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry says consular and legal support from Abuja, along with intervention by the NDLEA, secured the release. The freed Nigerians’ travel restrictions were lifted between mid-September and early December, and their return to Nigeria was finalised shortly after.
Officials have called the case a “vindication” of diplomatic effort and a warning about the operations of drug traffickers who exploit unsuspecting travellers. The government said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians abroad while urging citizens to remain vigilant against criminal syndicates.
By Dalena Reporters — Foreign Affairs Desk