Three Nigerians who had been detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2025 have been released after investigations confirmed they had no involvement in attempts to smuggle prohibited substances through King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed their release in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah, has secured the release and full lifting of the travel ban on three Nigerian nationals; Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi, who were arrested in August 2025 at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.
The detainees had been implicated after prohibited substances were fraudulently linked to their air tickets at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without their knowledge.
Following the arrests, the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Nayaya, engaged Saudi authorities and informed Abuja, also requesting the support of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the investigations. The Nigerian mission maintained continuous engagement with the host authorities, arranged legal representation, and conducted regular prison visits.
After thorough investigations, Saudi officials cleared the three Nigerians of any wrongdoing. Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025, while the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq was lifted on December 2, 2025, with his return arrangements underway.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the professionalism of Saudi authorities and highlighted the collaborative role of the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah in securing a fair outcome.
The ministry added that the development reflects Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4D Doctrine.
