Three Nigerian women, who were arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been discharged and acquitted after spending 10 months in detention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting the importance of the diplomatic engagements that led to the women’s release.
The women—Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi—were arrested on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah.
The case, which garnered attention in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, was resolved following extensive diplomatic and legal efforts.
The women were handed over to the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah after their acquittal. They were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and are currently undergoing immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.
