Three Detained Nigerians Released After FG Intervention in Saudi Arabia

The Federal Government has secured the release of three Nigerian citizens who were detained in Saudi Arabia over an alleged attempt to smuggle prohibited substances through Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the statement, the three Nigerians — Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi — were arrested in August 2025 after prohibited items were found in luggage that had been fraudulently linked to their flight tickets at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, without their knowledge.

Following their arrest, the Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah, led by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi authorities and informed the headquarters in Abuja. The mission also requested the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to assist with investigations.

The Nigerian mission maintained constant communication with Saudi officials, ensured regular access to the detainees, and arranged legal representation for them throughout the investigation process.

After thorough investigations, Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of all allegations and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025. A temporary travel restriction placed on them during the investigation has now been fully lifted.

The ministry disclosed that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025, while the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq was lifted on December 2, 2025. Arrangements for his return to Nigeria are currently ongoing.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation to the Saudi government for its cooperation and professionalism in handling the matter. It also acknowledged the critical roles played by the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah in securing a fair outcome.

The ministry added that the successful resolution of the case reflects Nigeria’s continued commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of its citizens abroad, in line with the 4D Foreign Policy Doctrine of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.