FG Commends Saudi Authorities For Releasing 3 Nigerians Detained Over Fraudulent Luggage

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Three Nigerians who were arrested in August 2025 at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah have been released from detention by Saudi Authorities over luggage linked to criminal syndicates. The Nigerians were: Abdulhamid Sadieq, Maryam Abdullahi, and Bahijah Abdullahi.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar in a statement, explained that prohibited substances were fraudulently attached to their air tickets by criminal syndicates at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), without the knowledge of the passengers.

Through diplomatic channels, Nigeria’s Consulate in Jeddah provided legal support and worked closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the investigation and the mission maintained regular contact with Saudi authorities as well as conducted prison visits. After thorough investigations, the Saudi authorities cleared the Nigerians of all wrongdoing and released them on September 14 and 15, 2025.

Yusuf Tuggar says, a travel ban was imposed and currently, the travel ban on Abdulhamid Sadieq has been lifted on December 2, 2025, and arrangements for his return are ongoing, while recalling that Maryam Abdullahi and Bahijah Abdullahi returned to Nigeria on November 5, 2025.

The minister commends the professionalism of Saudi authorities and notes that the release reflects Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, as enshrined in the 4D Doctrine of President Bola Tinubu.