Saudi Arabian authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims who were earlier detained in Makkah after being wrongfully linked to bags containing marijuana at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Daily Nigerian reports.
The victims, identified as Maryam Abdullahi Hussaini, Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq, regained their freedom on Monday following interventions by the Nigerian government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the country’s Consulate in Jeddah.
Confirming the release on Tuesday, Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Hussaini, said his wife was back home.
“Yes, it’s true. I received a call yesterday (Monday) to come for her release, but the final documentation was completed today (Tuesday). I am with her now, as you can hear her voice,” he said.
Maryam, who was emotional, expressed gratitude to Allah and the stakeholders who intervened in their case.
“I’m grateful to Allah for my release. I thank everyone who stood by us, prayed for us, and worked for our freedom,” she said.
The NDLEA had, on August 25, confirmed the innocence of the three Nigerians in a statement signed by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi. The agency also announced the arrest of six suspected members of a syndicate at the Kano airport linked to the crime.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects, led by a drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, allegedly planted six additional bags on the pilgrims’ tickets, three of which contained illicit substances.
“The bags were illegally tagged to the complainants’ names by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company, who are also members of the criminal syndicate. The victims were detained in Saudi for crimes they did not commit,” the agency stated.
The suspects are currently in NDLEA custody while investigations continue.
