Their release comes after four weeks in custody and sustained diplomatic and investigative efforts by Nigerian authorities.


The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, confirmed the release at a press briefing in Abuja. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, identified the released individuals as Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq.


According to Babafemi, their freedom followed “weeks of sustained engagements” led by NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, rtd, in collaboration with the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control, GDNC.


“This was made possible with the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the assistance of the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,” Babafemi stated.


Recall that, the three pilgrims were among passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed from Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on August 6, 2025, bound for Jeddah for the lesser Hajj.


Upon arrival, they were arrested by Saudi authorities after being linked to luggage containing illicit drugs.


Subsequent investigation by the NDLEA revealed that a drug trafficking syndicate at the Kano airport had tagged multiple bags containing drugs under the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims.

Source: Punch