NDLEA Busts Airport Drug Syndicate Behind Saudi Detention of Three Nigerians
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate allegedly responsible for the wrongful detention of three Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, following a sting operation that led to the arrest of its suspected ringleader, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and five accomplices.
NDLEA officials revealed the bust during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja, where spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the syndicate was operating from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and had secretly tagged drug-laden luggage to unsuspecting passengers.
The investigation was triggered by petitions sent to NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa from the families of the detained Nigerians — Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq — who were arrested upon arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, earlier this month.
According to Babafemi, the three Nigerians had boarded Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah via Addis Ababa on August 6, 2025, each with minimal personal luggage. However, six additional bags — three of which contained illicit drugs — were secretly checked in under their names by the syndicate.
“Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi only checked in one bag weighing 9kg, which did not even arrive with her,” Babafemi stated. “Yet she has been detained in Jeddah ever since. The same happened with the other two.”
The NDLEA’s findings indicate that members of the drug ring conspired with insiders at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) to smuggle the extra bags onto the flight without the passengers’ knowledge.
All six bags were traced back to Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), who booked them onto the flight — but interestingly, boarded a different airline, Egypt Air, on the same day.
“Ali avoided the airline where the contraband bags were placed, clearly to avoid association if the drugs were discovered,” Babafemi explained.
Six suspects have now been taken into custody, with four — including Karama — already charged to court. Others facing arraignment include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock.
According to NDLEA, all suspects have made confessional statements. Celestina admitted to checking in two of the bags for ₦100,000, while another suspect, Jazuli Kabir, confessed to checking in two more for the same amount. Karama himself reportedly handled the final three bags.
NDLEA said it has bank transfer receipts linking the suspects to the illicit transactions.
In a bid to secure the release of the innocent detainees, NDLEA has opened discussions with Saudi authorities. Chairman Buba Marwa is expected to meet officials from the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) during an upcoming international drug conference.
“If necessary,” Babafemi added, “the chairman is willing to personally travel to Saudi Arabia to ensure that Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi and the two others receive the justice they deserve.”
The agency says it is determined to prevent such incidents from recurring and restore international confidence in Nigeria’s air travel and border security systems.
