The Nigerian student detained by Saudi Arabian authority over alleged drug trafficking has been released.
Zainab Aliyu, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, who was arrested and has been in detention since December when a banned drug, tramadol, was found in her bag on arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Aliyu’s continued detention has sparked widespread sympathy all over the country, on the back of claims that she was innocent and only fell victim to a drug cartel at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, that specialises in keeping hard drugs in travellers’ bags.
According to TVC, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Aliyu was released to the Nigerian mission in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The other victim, Ibrahim Abubakir, will be released tomorrow.
President Muhammadu Buhari had directed Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to immediately intervene in the case of Zainab Aliyu, the student incriminated in drug-related matters and being detained by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora matters, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement made available to journalists, said that the President gave the directive two weeks ago when the matter was brought to his attention.
She said, “President Muhammadu Buhari gave the directive immediately the matter was brought to his attention about two weeks ago .
“My office has been working with AGF as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that regard.”
