Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerian women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, after they spent 10 months in detention. The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, for alleged possession of cocaine while on pilgrimage.
Their arrest was linked to the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found with large quantities of cocaine. The women were detained on suspicion of being accomplices and trafficking the banned substance.
After high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities, the women were released and handed over to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda. Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal efforts.
Source: Vanguard
