Saudi Arabia on map

Saudi Arabian authorities have released Maryam Abdullahi Hussaini, the Nigerian woman from Kano who was detained in Makkah over a luggage swap that linked her to drug trafficking. Two other Nigerians – Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu and Abdulhamid Saddiq – who faced similar ordeals were also freed.

Mrs Hussaini, a 39-year-old mother of five, regained her freedom on Monday after more than five weeks in detention. Her release followed interventions by the Nigerian government and confirmation from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that she and the others were innocent victims of a baggage syndicate at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

Husband Confirms Release

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, her husband Abdullahi Baffa confirmed that she had been reunited with the family.

“Yes, it’s true; I received a call on Monday to come for her release. But we couldn’t finish the final documentation until Tuesday. I’m with her today, as you can hear her voice,” he said.

Mrs Hussaini also expressed gratitude:

“I’m grateful to Allah for my release. I’m grateful for all your efforts and prayers. Thank you.”

How It Happened

Mrs Hussaini had travelled with her husband on 6 August to perform the lesser hajj when she was linked to a “Ghana-must-go” sack filled with marijuana at Jeddah airport. Although the tag number on the sack did not match her luggage, Saudi authorities detained her at the Rihab Centre in Makkah.

Her husband insisted the mix-up was caused by Ethiopian Airlines and corrupt airport staff, who mishandled their baggage.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi announced on 25 August that investigators had cleared the three detained Nigerians after uncovering a criminal network at MAKIA. The agency confirmed the arrest of a 55-year-old alleged drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (also known as Bello Karama), along with five members of his syndicate.

Inside the Syndicate’s Operation

According to NDLEA, the pilgrims had boarded Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah via Addis Ababa on 6 August. They were tagged with six additional bags that did not belong to them, three of which contained illicit drugs.

Mrs Hussaini had checked in just one 9kg luggage, which never arrived at her destination. Her husband was later informed of its arrival on 16 August, a day before their scheduled departure.

The NDLEA said its investigation revealed that Skyway Aviation Handling Company staff, working with the syndicate, had secretly tagged and checked in the illicit bags under the complainants’ names without their knowledge.

Clearance and Freedom

In light of the evidence gathered, NDLEA concluded that Mrs Hussaini and the two other Nigerians were victims of circumstance, framed by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at MAKIA. Saudi Arabian authorities subsequently released all three pilgrims.