The story of Maryam Abdullahi, Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq is one of betrayal and deceit. The three Nigerians were detained in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for alleged drug trafficking during their lesser hajj, a crime they claim they knew nothing about.
According to Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the trio’s ordeal began when they checked in for their flight to Jeddah on August 6.
Unknown to them, six additional bags not belonging to them were checked in against their names, with three of the bags later found to contain illicit drugs.
“It was a nightmare for our relatives,” said a family member of one of the detainees, who wished to remain anonymous.
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“They had done nothing wrong, but were facing serious charges in a foreign land.”
The NDLEA launched an investigation after the families of the detained pilgrims complained to the agency’s chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa.
The investigation led to the arrest of a 55-year-old suspected drug kingpin and five members of his syndicate at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
“The suspects were part of a criminal syndicate operating at MAKIA, who checked in the bags against the complainants’ names without their knowledge,” Babafemi explained.
“We have obtained receipts showing the transfer of N200,000 from the syndicate leader to two of the suspects, and four of them have already been charged to court.”
The NDLEA is working with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia to secure justice for the three pilgrims. The agency’s chairman is scheduled to attend an international drug conference where GDNC officials will be present, and may travel to Saudi Arabia to pursue the release of the detainees.
“We will not allow our citizens to suffer unjustly for crimes they did not commit,” Babafemi assured. “We will continue to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria, while ensuring that innocent persons are not punished.”
As the NDLEA works to secure the release of the three pilgrims, their families remain hopeful that justice will be served. “We just want our relatives to come home,” said the family member. “They have suffered enough.”
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