NDLEA Smashes Syndicate Behind Pilgrims’ Ordeal in Saudi Arabia

A major drug syndicate accused of planting narcotics on unsuspecting Nigerian pilgrims has been uncovered at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), leading to the arrest of its suspected kingpin and five accomplices.

According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the cartel was responsible for smuggling illicit substances onto Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano for Jeddah via Addis Ababa on August 6. The syndicate was led by a 55-year-old man, Mohammed Abubakar, popularly known as Bello Karama.

Their actions left three innocent Nigerians — 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini, along with Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu and Abdulhamid Saddiq — detained by Saudi Arabian authorities on charges of drug trafficking.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi told reporters in Abuja on Monday that investigations showed the pilgrims had checked in only one personal bag each. However, in collusion with airport handlers from Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), the syndicate allegedly tagged six extra bags to their names, three of which contained narcotics.

“The bags containing narcotics were secretly tagged against the complainants’ names without their knowledge or consent,” Babafemi explained.

While Karama reportedly flew separately on Egypt Air, his associates checked in the drug-laden luggage on Ethiopian Airlines. Among those arrested were Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, with payments already traced to their accounts. Babafemi said the suspects confessed their involvement.

The agency’s chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), is expected to present Nigeria’s findings to Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) at an upcoming international drug conference, with hopes of securing the pilgrims’ release.

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

The revelations have heightened concern about security lapses and baggage handling at Nigerian airports. Authorities have promised stricter checks at MAKIA to prevent a repeat of the incident.

Meanwhile, families of the detainees are pleading with the Federal Government to step up diplomatic efforts. Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa, made an emotional appeal.

“She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God. Instead, she is in prison for a crime others committed. Now that the truth is out, Nigeria must bring her back,” he said.