ABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed a major drug trafficking syndicate behind the arrest of three innocent Nigerians currently languishing in detention in Saudi Arabia.
The agency on Monday paraded 55-year-old kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), and five of his accomplices, who allegedly masterminded the smuggling of illicit substances through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, by tagging extra drug-laden bags in the names of unsuspecting pilgrims.
The victims — Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq — were arrested upon arrival in Jeddah on August 6, 2025, aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, after the syndicate planted contraband in their luggage.
At a press conference in Abuja, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that Abubakar coordinated the operation while traveling to Jeddah the same day on Egypt Air, as his associates checked in seven bags under the names of the victims with the help of corrupt aviation handling staff.
One suspect, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, admitted checking in two of the bags for ₦100,000, while another, Jazuli Kabir, confessed to handling two others for the same fee.
So far, six suspects are in NDLEA custody, with four already charged to court, including Abubakar, Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Yayock.
Babafemi assured that NDLEA is in active talks with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to secure the release of the three Nigerians. He added that NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), will meet GDNC officials at an upcoming international drug conference and is prepared to personally travel to Saudi Arabia if required.
“The facts clearly show that these Nigerians are victims of criminal conspiracies, and we will not allow them to suffer unjustly,” Babafemi said.
He stressed that while NDLEA remains resolute in combating drug trafficking, innocent citizens framed by criminal cartels will not be abandoned.
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