Tinubu’s Govt Reacts as 3 Nigerians Cleared, Released in Saudi Arabia
- The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has announced the release of three Nigerian nationals in Saudi Arabia
- Tuggar said the ministry, through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah, secured the release and full lifting of the travel ban on the Nigerians
- According to the ministers, the Nigerians were arrested in August 2025 at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government has secured the release and full lifting of the travel ban on three Nigerian nationals in Saudi Arabia.
The 3 Nigerians - Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq, Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi, and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi- were arrested in August 2025 at the King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Consulate General of Nigeria in Jeddah, secured.
The minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made this known in a statement issued via his X handle @YusufTuggar.
Tuggar said the Nigerians were arrested following the discovery of prohibited substances in luggage.
The minister explained that the substances were fraudulently attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without their knowledge.
He said the Consul General of Nigeria in Jeddah, engaged Saudi authorities upon notification and reported the matter to the Headquarters in Abuja.
He also requested the intervention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to support investigations.
“The Mission maintained continuous engagement with the host authorities, ensured regular prison visits, and arranged legal representation for the detainees.
“Following thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the three Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them from detention on 14th and 15th September 2025. A temporary travel restriction imposed pending the completion of security procedures has now been fully lifted.”
The minister disclosed that Mrs. Maryam Hussein Abdullahi and Mrs. Bahijah Aminu Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on 5th November 2025.
Tiggar also said the travel ban on Mr. Abdulhamid Sadieq was lifted on 2nd December 2025. Arrangements for his return are currently being finalised by the Nigerian Mission.
3 Nigerians prosecuted for dealing in drugs in Saudi Arabia
Recall that three Nigerian women, who were arrested and prosecuted for dealing in drugs in Saudi Arabia, have been acquitted after 10 months in detention, thanks to diplomatic efforts.
The women were detained on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
They are currently undergoing immigration processes to return to Nigeria and reunite with their families.
Saudi Arabia arrests 800 Nigerians, reveals their crimes
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia arrested and detained about 800 Nigerians for various offences bordering on irregular migration.
The Saudi authorities said 45,458 illegal migrants were in the country, hence the need to get rid of the undocumented foreigners.
The federal government, however, urged Nigerians travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to do proper documentation.
Source: Legit.ng
