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The Federal Government has confirmed the release of three Nigerians detained in Saudi Arabia since August 2025 after authorities found they had no connection to an attempted drug smuggling case at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport.

According to Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, “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 trio was arrested after criminal syndicates allegedly linked luggage containing prohibited substances to their tickets at Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport without their knowledge.

Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, Amb. Muazam Nayaya, immediately engaged Saudi authorities, coordinated with the NDLEA, ensured legal representation, and maintained contact with the detainees during investigations.

Saudi officials eventually cleared the three and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025, lifting the travel restriction that followed. Maryam and Bahijah returned to Nigeria on November 5, while Sadieq’s travel ban was lifted on December 2, with plans for his return underway.

The ministry commended Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and said the development aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad under President Bola Tinubu’s 4D Doctrine.