Editor
Three female Nigerians narrowly escaped death sentence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after their conviction on drug related offenses.
The victims; Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine 10 months ago while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, , Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the lucky females were release after a high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian and Saudi authorities.
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According to the statement, the victims were arrested and indicted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The narrowly escaped females were released after spending 10 months in Saudi detention.
“The arrest of the three women was as a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.
“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians. The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria”. The statement said.
The successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.
“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families,” Ebienfa said.
