The Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Senator Aniekan Bassey, has reacted to the release of three Nigerians earlier detained in Saudi Arabia over alleged drug trafficking, describing the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough and a reassurance that innocent Nigerians would never be abandoned in foreign lands.
Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mr. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq were exonerated after investigations confirmed they were not guilty of the allegations leveled against them.
In a statement, Senator Bassey commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah for their coordinated efforts in ensuring justice was served.
She said their intervention not only saved innocent lives but also reinforced Nigeria’s determination to defend its citizens wherever they may be.
“This outcome is a strong reminder that Nigeria will never turn its back on its citizens. The innocent must always be protected, and this government has shown commitment to that principle,” Bassey said.
She issued a stern caution to Nigerians traveling or living abroad, urging them to strictly obey the laws of their host countries and to conduct themselves in ways that reflect positively on the nation.
