FG Hails Saudi Arabia for Releasing Three Wrongfully Detained Nigerians
The Federal Government has commended Saudi Arabia for the release of three Nigerians who were wrongfully detained in Jeddah over luggage fraudulently linked to criminal syndicates.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
The Nigerians Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq, Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Abdullahi were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, after prohibited substances were reportedly attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) without their knowledge.
Amb. Tuggar explained that upon notification, the Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi authorities and informed headquarters in Abuja. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also supported the investigations.
“The Mission maintained regular contact with the authorities, conducted prison visits, and provided legal representation for the detainees,” Tuggar said.
Following thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the Nigerians of all wrongdoing. They were released on September 14 and 15, 2025. Travel restrictions were subsequently lifted.
- Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.
- The travel ban on Mr. Sadieq was lifted on December 2, 2025, with arrangements for his return ongoing.
Tuggar noted that the release underscores Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. This is aligned with the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Tinubu. He also commended the professionalism of Saudi authorities. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial roles played by the NDLEA and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah in securing a just outcome.
