Several Nigerian nationals sentenced to prison in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are currently being detained past their completed court terms solely because they cannot settle outstanding court fines, according to the Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Yakubu Gambo.

Ambassador Gambo made this known during a official courtesy visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), at the agency’s central headquarters in Abuja.

Elaborating on the legal predicaments faced by affected citizens, the envoy stated that while these individuals have fully served their custodial prison sentences, Saudi statutory laws require full settlement of imposed monetary fines prior to release and deportation.

Gambo explained that many affected inmates lack the financial resources to pay these mandatory fines, leaving them in prolonged detention beyond their completed sentences.

He called on non-governmental organizations, philanthropic individuals, and international humanitarian bodies to intervene by helping offset the unpaid court fines to secure the release and repatriation of affected citizens back to Nigeria.

Additionally, the diplomat emphasized the critical need for comprehensive sensitization programs targeted at prospective Nigerian travelers regarding Saudi Arabia’s legal framework, local customs, and strict penal laws to reduce legal violations and incarcerations.

Responding during the meeting, NiDCOM Boss Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended Ambassador Gambo for his proactive diplomatic leadership and welfare interventions on behalf of the Nigerian community in Saudi Arabia.

Dabiri-Erewa assured that NiDCOM will collaborate closely with the diplomatic mission, relevant ministries, and humanitarian partners to explore viable relief pathways, while simultaneously expanding pre-departure enlightenment campaigns for citizens traveling to the Middle East.