Alleged drug trafficking: Saudi Arabia frees three Nigerian pilgrims
Alleged drug trafficking: Saudi Arabia frees three Nigerian pilgrims
The Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims who were earlier detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of intense diplomatic and security engagements.
Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, confirmed the development during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.
According to Marwa, the release came after thorough investigations and interventions by both Nigerian and Saudi authorities, which eventually cleared the pilgrims of wrongdoing.
He noted that the matter had raised serious concerns among Nigerians at home and abroad, especially considering Saudi Arabia’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related offences, which carry severe penalties, including the death sentence.
“The pilgrims were wrongly accused, but thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian government, the NDLEA, and Saudi authorities, justice has been served,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chairman assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to work closely with international partners to protect the integrity of the country and its citizens abroad, while also intensifying its campaign against drug trafficking at home.
He also warned travellers, particularly pilgrims, to remain vigilant and avoid being used as conduits by criminal networks who plant illicit substances in luggage.
The development has been widely welcomed, with many describing it as a diplomatic victory for Nigeria, given the grave implications the allegations could have had on the image of the country and the fate of the innocent pilgrims.
