Drug kingpin, syndicate arrested for framing pilgrims

Story by Susan Mbamah 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (also known as Bello Karama), and five members of his syndicate.

The group is accused of framing three innocent Nigerian pilgrims who were arrested in Saudi Arabia on drug trafficking charges.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi confirmed that the suspects used unsuspecting travelers to traffic drugs through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The case came to light when three Nigerians—Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq—were arrested in Jeddah after six extra bags, three of which contained illicit substances, were tagged to their names without their knowledge.

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The NDLEA’s investigation revealed that the bags were smuggled onto the flight by the syndicate with the help of corrupt airport staff.

According to the NDLEA, Abubakar, the mastermind, checked in the drug-laden bags on August 6 via Ethiopian Airlines while he traveled on Egypt Air. His accomplices, including airport staff, were paid to secretly tag the bags in the pilgrims’ names.

One suspect confessed to receiving ₦100,000 for the operation, while receipts totaling ₦200,000 were traced to Abubakar.

Four of the suspects, including Abubakar, have been charged in court, while the others remain in custody. All have reportedly made confessional statements.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has begun talks with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to secure the release of the three Nigerians, whom he called “victims of circumstance.” Marwa is expected to meet with Saudi officials during an international drug conference and has stated his readiness to travel to the Kingdom if needed.

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The agency emphasised its dedication to protecting innocent Nigerians and intensifying its crackdown on drug syndicates. It also praised the cooperation of the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, AVSEC, and the DSS, adding that new security measures are being implemented at MAKIA to prevent future incidents.

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