Three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah for over a month on drug trafficking charges have been freed by Saudi authorities following diplomatic interventions by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian government, which established their innocence after uncovering a baggage tampering scheme at a Kano airport.

The pilgrims—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq—were arrested upon arrival on August 6, 2025, via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah for the lesser hajj.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi announced their release during a Wednesday press briefing in Abuja, noting one was freed on September 14 and the other two on September 15. They are expected to return to Nigeria soon.

Investigations revealed a syndicate led by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar (alias Bello Karama) colluded with Skyway Aviation Handling Company staff at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport to tag three drug-laden bags to the pilgrims' names without their knowledge. Each pilgrim checked only one personal bag, but six additional ones—three containing narcotics—were secretly attached. The kingpin traveled separately on EgyptAir, while accomplices handled the illicit check-in.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) presented evidence, including charges against the syndicate members—Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir—who confessed and received payments.

Engagements with Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) upheld a bilateral memorandum, facilitating the releases. Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu's directive against unjust treatment of Nigerians abroad, crediting support from Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in airport security, prompting NDLEA to advise passengers on proper luggage tagging and vow stricter measures at Kano.