The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar, alias Bello Karama, and five syndicate members at Kano's Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for secretly tagging illicit drug bags to three innocent Nigerian pilgrims, leading to their detention in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims—Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq—flew Ethiopian Airlines from Kano to Jeddah via Addis Ababa on August 6, 2025, for lesser Hajj.

Unbeknownst to them, syndicate members from Skyway Aviation Handling Company checked in six extra bags under their names, three containing drugs.

Abubakar checked the bags but flew separately on Egypt Air. “They had no idea,” said NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, noting the pilgrims' luggage arrived late or not at all.

NDLEA launched an investigation after family complaints reached Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.).

Arrested members include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, who confessed to receiving N100,000 each for tagging.

All four face court charges, with receipts confirming payments, as Gen. Marwa heads to an international conference to meet Saudi officials and advocate for the pilgrims' release.

The agency praised collaboration with aviation authorities, FAAN, AVSEC, and DSS to prevent future incidents, vowing no sacred cows in enforcement while protecting innocents.

Nigeria's fight against drug trafficking, rooted in post-independence efforts to curb colonial-era opium trades, showcases African resilience through agencies like NDLEA, which have seized billions in opioids.

For families like those of the detained pilgrims, this ordeal underscores the human cost of syndicates preying on trusting travelers, yet it fuels hope as Nigeria innovates in cross-border justice, empowering citizens against global threats.