The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a criminal network at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), exposing a shocking scheme that falsely implicated three Nigerian pilgrims in drug trafficking charges in Saudi Arabia. The development has triggered diplomatic engagements, with NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), moving to secure justice for the detained citizens.
At a press briefing on Monday, August 25, 2025, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, accompanied by senior officials Dr. Abdul Ibrahim (Director of Assets and Financial Investigation) and Theresa Asuquo (Director of Prosecution and Legal Services), laid bare the details of the investigation that has shaken public confidence in airport security.
The Criminal Plot at Kano Airport
The NDLEA disclosed that the three victims—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq—were arrested in Jeddah after Saudi authorities intercepted six pieces of luggage falsely tagged in their names, three of which contained narcotics.
Investigations revealed that the suspects only traveled with their personal effects but were unknowingly linked to additional bags planted by a drug cartel led by 55-year-old Mohammed Ali Abubakar, alias Bello Karama.
“The bags containing illicit drugs were secretly tagged to the pilgrims by members of the syndicate without their knowledge or consent,” Babafemi explained.
“Tragically, this criminal conspiracy led to their arrest and detention in Saudi Arabia for crimes they did not commit.”
NDLEA findings also showed that Abubakar, the ringleader, avoided suspicion by flying on a different carrier—Egypt Air—while ensuring his contaminated luggage was loaded onto Ethiopian Airlines, the same flight as the pilgrims.
Inside the Syndicate’s Network
The agency identified staff of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) as active collaborators in the plot, using their access to baggage handling systems to manipulate tags.
So far, six suspects have been arrested, four of whom—Abubakar, Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock—are already facing trial. Another suspect, Jazuli Kabir, admitted to checking in bags for ₦100,000 per piece, while Celestina confessed to handling two bags for the same fee.
Receipts of transactions linking Abubakar to the payments have been recovered, providing hard evidence of the syndicate’s internal operations.
Nigeria Pushes Back Diplomatically
The wrongful detention of the pilgrims has put Nigeria on the diplomatic frontline. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Marwa is scheduled to meet Saudi officials from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) at an international drug conference this week.
“Gen. Marwa will personally present our findings to our Saudi counterparts,” Babafemi said.
“If necessary, he is ready to travel to Saudi Arabia to ensure that these innocent Nigerians are cleared of all charges.”
The NDLEA stressed that while it maintains a zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking, it equally has a duty to protect innocent citizens from criminal setups that tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad.
Experts Weigh In
Security analysts and aviation experts have described the bust as a wake-up call for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
- Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, an aviation security consultant, said:
“This incident highlights glaring vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s airport baggage handling systems. If criminals can manipulate tags with such impunity, every Nigerian traveler abroad is at risk of wrongful detention.” - Barr. Funke Osifo, a human rights lawyer, emphasized the diplomatic implications:
“Nigeria must show firmness in defending its citizens abroad. Wrongful imprisonment not only destroys lives but also undermines international trust in Nigeria’s travel systems.” - Musa Ibrahim, a freight forwarder at Kano airport, added:
“The collaboration of insiders at handling companies is the most dangerous part. It means travelers are not safe until these cartels are completely rooted out.”
Reassurances and Reforms
In response, the NDLEA confirmed that new interim measures have been introduced at MAKIA in partnership with the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, AVSEC, and the DSS to strengthen baggage security and prevent future exploitation by criminal syndicates.
The Agency also reassured the public that no “sacred cows” will be spared in its anti-drug war, noting its record of high-profile arrests, convictions, and asset seizures.
“We will not allow innocent Nigerians to be punished for crimes they did not commit,” Babafemi concluded.
What This Means for Nigerians Abroad
The case has stirred anxiety among Nigerians who frequently travel for religious pilgrimages, business, or education. It underscores the urgent need for tighter airport security and swift diplomatic interventions when Nigerians are implicated abroad.
For many observers, the NDLEA’s decisive handling of the case could set a new precedent in protecting Nigeria’s global image while reaffirming the state’s commitment to justice.
As the Saudi trial process looms, all eyes will be on the diplomatic negotiations between Abuja and Riyadh to determine whether Mrs. Abdullahi, Mrs. Aminu, and Mr. Saddiq will regain their freedom and clear their names.
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