MECCA — Saudi authorities have released four Nigerian Hajj pilgrims who were wrongly arrested after a drug syndicate planted narcotics in their luggage. PRNigeria confirmed the release on Monday. The pilgrims had been detained for days before investigations established that they had been framed.
NAHCON confirmed the development and said the four pilgrims are now free and will return to Nigeria with their contingent. The commission said it worked urgently with Saudi authorities and the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh to secure the pilgrims’ release once the frame-up was established.
NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf expressed relief at the outcome and condemned the drug syndicate that endangered innocent pilgrims’ lives and freedom. He said the commission will work with security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the deliberate act of planting drugs.
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A Dangerous Scheme
The planting of drugs in innocent travellers’ luggage is a tactic used by smuggling networks to transport narcotics through airport security using unknowing couriers. It is a serious criminal act that can destroy lives. Saudi Arabia has zero tolerance for drug offences, with possession carrying the death penalty in serious cases.
The NDLEA has repeatedly warned Nigerian travellers to pack their own luggage and never accept items from strangers for transportation. The Papiri pilgrims’ case is a vivid illustration of why those warnings must be taken seriously.
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NAHCON said it will publish guidance for future pilgrims about luggage security. It said pilgrims must personally supervise the packing of all their bags and should not leave luggage unattended at any point from departure to arrival in Saudi Arabia.
