Connect with us

Published

on

banner

3 Nigerian Pilgrims arrested in Saudi Arabia for alleg3d drug trafficking set free

The Saudi Arabian authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims earlier detained in Jeddah over alleged drug trafficking, following weeks of diplomatic and security engagements.

Advertisement

The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwad made this known while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

The NDLEA Chairman was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi.

Advertisement

He ssaid that the pilgrims, identified as Mrs Maryam Abdullahi, Mrs Bahijja Abdullahi and Mr Abdulhamid Saddieq, were freed after spending four weeks in custody.

He also said that their release came after his sustained interventions and engagement with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement

He explained that the efforts were fully supported by President Bola Tinubu, alongside the contributions of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

This, he said included efforts from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN; and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Advertisement

He added that investigations by the NDLEA revealed that a drug syndicate operating at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, had tagged illicit drug-laden bags with the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims.

This, he said where people who travelled via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on Aug. 6, 2025, for lesser hajj.

Advertisement

“Following petitions from the families of the detainees, the NDLEA launched a probe which led to the arrest of the suspected mastermind, 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar.

“Abubakar who is also known as Bello Karama was arrested with three accomplices. The accomplices include airline officials identified as Celestina Yayock, Abdulbasit Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir,”he said.

Advertisement

Marwa, however, said that charges had since been filed against the four suspects in Nigeria.

“Armed with the outcome of our investigation, charges filed against the syndicate members, and other evidence to establish the innocence of the pilgrims, we engaged Saudi authorities.

Advertisement

“This was at multiple levels, including in Saudi Arabia, in line with President Tinubu’s directive that no Nigerian should suffer unjustly in a foreign land,”he said.

The NDLEA boss said that following the engagements, one of the pilgrims was released on Sept. 14, while the remaining two regained freedom on Sept. 15.

Advertisement

Marwa commended the Saudi GDNC for honouring the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and partnership between both agencies.

“The biggest support for our efforts came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that Nigerians receive their deserved respect and fair treatment across the world,” he said.

Advertisement

Marwa also lauded the assistance of the Attorney General, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, as well as the National Security Adviser.

“This outcome demonstrates that no Nigerian will be unjustly punished for crimes they did not commit anywhere in the world,” the NDLEA boss added.
(NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

Published

on

banner

BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Advertisement

Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

Advertisement

Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Published

on

banner

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

Advertisement

The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

Advertisement

“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

Advertisement

The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

Advertisement

The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

Advertisement

“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

Advertisement

The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

Published

on

banner

Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

Advertisement

In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Advertisement

The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

Trending

© 2025, All Rights Reserved | Crime Channels