Saudi Arabia releases 3 Nigerians arrested over syndicate-planted drugs found in their luggage

The Nigerian government has announced that three citizens earlier detained in Saudi Arabia have now regained their freedom, following their arrest at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah in August 2025.

The individuals released are Mr. Abdulhamid Sadie, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi.

A presidency statement explained that the trio was taken into custody after airport officials found illicit substances in luggage that had been criminally tagged to their travel documents at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) without their knowledge.

“Upon learning of the situation, Ambassador Muazam I. J. Nayaya, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, engaged Saudi authorities, reported the matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, and requested the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to support investigations.

“The Mission maintained regular engagement with Saudi authorities, facilitated prison visits, and arranged legal representation for the detainees,” the statement said.