The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry’s Spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, the three Nigerians were apprehended after prohibited substances were discovered in luggage fraudulently tagged to their air tickets by criminal syndicates operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their knowledge.
Upon receiving the report, Ambassador Muazam I. J. Nayaya, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, immediately engaged Saudi authorities and notified the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He also requested the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to support investigations.
The statement added that the Nigerian Mission maintained consistent communication with Saudi officials, conducted regular prison visits, and arranged legal representation for the detainees.
“Following thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them from detention on 14th and 15th September 2025. A temporary travel restriction imposed pending the completion of security procedures has now been fully lifted.
“Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on 5th November 2025, while the travel ban on Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq was lifted on 2nd December 2025. Arrangements for his return are currently being finalised by the Nigerian Mission,” the statement read.
The Ministry commended the cooperation and professionalism of Saudi authorities throughout the process, while also acknowledging the pivotal role of the NDLEA and the Consulate in Jeddah in securing a just outcome.
This development, the statement noted, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the protection and welfare of its citizens abroad, in line with the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
