By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | 25 August 2025
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and five members of his syndicate at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), following revelations that they were behind illicit drug shipments which led to the detention of three innocent Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The NDLEA disclosed the development on Monday during a press conference at its headquarters in Abuja, addressed by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, alongside senior officials of the Agency.
According to the NDLEA, the three Nigerians — Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq — were detained in Jeddah after their names were wrongfully linked to six bags, three of which contained illicit substances, during their pilgrimage earlier this month.
“Investigations revealed that the bags were checked in by members of a criminal syndicate at MAKIA without the victims’ knowledge or consent,” the Agency said. “All the bags were traced back to the syndicate leader, Ali Abubakar Mohammed, who travelled separately on Egypt Air while using Ethiopian Airline tickets under the pilgrims’ names for the drug-laden luggage.”
Babafemi explained that staff of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) colluded with the syndicate to tag the drugs against the pilgrims’ names, resulting in their arrest upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
So far, six suspects have been taken into custody. Four, including the alleged mastermind, have been charged to court and are awaiting arraignment. The NDLEA said they have all made confessional statements linking them to the crime.
“While Ali admitted checking in seven pieces of luggage, another suspect, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, confessed to handling two of the bags for ₦100,000. A third suspect, Jazuli Kabir, admitted the same for another ₦100,000. We have evidence of financial transfers linking them to the operation,” the Agency said.
In response to the plight of the detained Nigerians, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has initiated diplomatic engagement with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia. He is expected to meet Saudi officials at an international drug conference to present Nigeria’s findings and push for the release of the innocent pilgrims.
“The facts are clear that these individuals are victims of a criminal conspiracy, and Nigeria will not abandon them,” Babafemi assured.
The Agency further commended the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Aviation Security (AVSEC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their cooperation in the investigation, while pledging new measures to prevent similar incidents at Nigerian airports.
NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to fighting drug trafficking, insisting that while no offender will be spared, innocent citizens must not be punished for crimes they did not commit.
