How NDLEA Nabbed Suspected Drug Kingpin, Five Others Linked to Kano Pilgrims’ Arrested in Saudi Arabia

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a suspected drug kingpin and five members of his network accused of planting illicit drugs on unsuspecting pilgrims at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), an incident that led to the detention of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.

According to the agency, the syndicate, headed by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, masterminded the smuggling of narcotics aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which left Kano on August 6 for Jeddah via Addis Ababa.

The victims of the scheme included a 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini; Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq, all of whom remain in Saudi custody facing drug trafficking charges.

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, explained on Monday that investigations confirmed each of the three pilgrims checked in only one personal bag. However, members of the syndicate, in collaboration with Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) staff, allegedly tagged six extra bags in their names, three of which contained narcotics.

“The bags containing narcotics were secretly checked in under the complainants’ names without their knowledge or consent,” Babafemi stated during a press briefing in Abuja.

He further revealed that Karama travelled separately on Egypt Air, while his accomplices ensured the drug-filled luggage was loaded onto Ethiopian Airlines.

Other suspects named include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, all of whom reportedly confessed to their involvement, with payment records traced to them.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), is expected to meet with officials of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) at an upcoming international drug conference to present Nigeria’s findings and advocate for the release of the detained pilgrims.

“The evidence clearly proves that these three Nigerians are victims of a criminal conspiracy, not traffickers. We will pursue this matter until justice is served,” Babafemi assured.

The incident has reignited concerns about airport security and baggage handling in Nigeria, prompting authorities to pledge stricter checks at Kano airport to avert a recurrence.

Meanwhile, families of the detained pilgrims have appealed to the Federal Government for urgent diplomatic intervention.

“She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God, but today she is in prison for a crime committed by others. Now that the truth has come out, Nigeria must ensure her release,” Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa, lamented.