Three Nigerian Women Released from Saudi Jail: Drug Trafficking Charges Dropped
Three Nigerian women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—have been released from detention in Saudi Arabia after spending 10 months in jail on charges of drug trafficking.
Their release followed extensive diplomatic and legal efforts by the Nigerian government.
The women were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on suspicion of possessing substances believed to be cocaine.
Their detention was linked to the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals found with significant quantities of cocaine.
After prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, the women were acquitted and released. They have been handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah and are currently undergoing immigration processes to return to Nigeria and reunite with their families.