The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, announced the detention of six individuals suspected of orchestrating a drug trafficking scheme that resulted in the wrongful incarceration of three Nigerian pilgrims in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The agency stated that the 55-year-old ringleader, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, headed this criminal network. The arrests followed a thorough investigation that connected the suspects to a scheme involving the unauthorized tagging of luggage containing illicit substances to unsuspecting travelers.
During a press briefing, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babajide revealed that the apprehension was triggered by appeals from the families of the detained pilgrims. The victims, Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq, had traveled from Kano to Jeddah via Addis Ababa aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 on August 6, 2025.
Unexpectedly, each traveler was assigned extra suitcases, three of which concealed narcotics unbeknownst to them. Babajide explained,
Mrs. Abdullahi checked in only one bag weighing nine kilograms, which did not arrive at her destination. Subsequently, she was detained, a fate that similarly befell the other two pilgrims under comparable circumstances
Investigations indicated that operatives within the syndicate collaborated with insiders at Skyway Aviation Handling Company to attach illicit cargo to the victims’ baggage surreptitiously. All bags traced back to Ali Abubakar Mohammed, who had checked them into Ethiopian Airlines on the day the pilgrims departed.
Ali Abubakar Mohammed traveled to Jeddah himself on the same date but opted for Egypt Air rather than Ethiopian Airlines, where he allegedly checked in the contaminated luggage.
Currently, six individuals identified as accomplices in this conspiracy are in custody. Among them, four, Ali Abubakar Mohammed, Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, have been formally charged and are awaiting arraignment. Confessions obtained from the suspects reveal that Ali admitted to transporting seven pieces of luggage, while Celestina and another suspect accepted payments of N100,000 each for assisting in checking in illicit bags.
The NDLEA is actively engaging with Saudi officials to facilitate the release of the detained Nigerians. The agency’s chairman, Buba Marwa, is en route to an international drug conference where he plans to meet counterparts from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC). Babajide noted,
The chairman will present our findings personally and seek their cooperation to ensure justice for Maryam Hussain Abdullahi and the other two pilgrims
Marwa has expressed readiness to travel directly to Saudi Arabia if necessary to resolve the case.
This unfolding case uncovers the risks innocent travelers face from criminal organizations operating within airport systems. Authorities urge vigilance and caution, promising to pursue justice vigorously as investigations proceed.
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