Saudi Arabia Detains Nigerian Woman Over Marijuana Bag; Husband Blames Ethiopian Airlines Staff

The case of Maryam Hussaini-Abdullahi, a Nigerian woman detained in Saudi Arabia after her name was allegedly linked to a marijuana-filled “Ghana must go” sack, has taken a dramatic turn as her husband claims Ethiopian Airlines staff and baggage handlers were directly involved.

Maryam, who travelled to Jeddah on August 7, remains in custody, with Saudi officials reportedly chaining her hands and legs during interrogation, despite evidence suggesting the suspicious bag was wrongly tagged to her.

Husband Speaks Out

Her husband, Abdullahi Baffa, who travelled with her, told SaharaReporters that their trip was meant to be short, leaving their children at home in Nigeria.

Baffa accused Ethiopian Airlines of “criminal negligence,” insisting that the extra bag was attached to his wife’s luggage without her knowledge or consent.

“The Ethiopian airline confessed that baggage was added to her name. Some video footage shows the suspect who committed all the crime,” he said.

He revealed that security operatives in Nigeria had already detained suspects, including handlers and Ethiopian Airlines staff, though he was asked not to share video evidence yet.

Missing Luggage and Wrongful Tagging

According to Baffa, the couple departed from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, each carrying only one bag. On arrival in Jeddah, they discovered their luggage missing.

Saudi security operatives later compared Maryam’s luggage tag with the seized marijuana sack and found inconsistencies. Despite this, she was detained for further investigation.

Baffa condemned the airline’s conduct, calling it “unholy” and demanding justice. He confirmed that the Nigerian Government has now taken over the case.

 Government Agencies Yet to Be Briefed

When contacted, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media at the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), both said they were not yet aware of Maryam’s arrest.

Meanwhile, her family anxiously awaits clarity, with Baffa pleading: “Prayer is the best option now.”