The Federal Government on Wednesday applauded Saudi authorities for releasing three Nigerians arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, after investigations revealed that prohibited items linked to their luggage were planted by criminal syndicates. The individuals freed are Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi, and Bahijah Abdullahi.
In a statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, explained that the substances were fraudulently attached to the passengers’ air tickets by syndicates operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their knowledge.
Through diplomatic channels, Nigeria’s Consulate in Jeddah provided legal support and worked closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the investigation and the mission maintained regular contact with Saudi authorities as well as conducted prison visits. After thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025.
Yusuf Tuggar says, a travel ban was imposed and currently, the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq has been lifted on December 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are ongoing, while recalling that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.
The minister commended the professionalism of Saudi authorities and emphasized that the successful resolution of the case reflects Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 4D Doctrine.
