A troubling case involving a Nigerian woman, Maryam Hussaini-Abdullahi, has sparked outrage after Saudi Arabian authorities detained her over a marijuana-filled sack that was allegedly misattributed to her.
Maryam, who traveled to Saudi Arabia with her husband, Abdullahi Baffa, on August 7, was arrested upon arrival in Jeddah after security officials linked her to a suspicious “Ghana-must-go” bag. Despite inconsistencies found in the baggage tags, she was chained at the hands and legs during the investigation and remains in custody.
Airline Staff Under Investigation
According to Baffa, Ethiopian Airlines staff and baggage handlers have been identified as suspects in the case. He claimed that the airline admitted to wrongfully associating the baggage with his wife. “The airline confessed that a bag was added to her name. Video footage even shows the person who committed the act,” he told reporters.
While video evidence exists, Baffa stated that he has been advised by security agencies not to release it yet. He added that Nigerian authorities have now taken over the case.
Family Left in Distress
The couple, who had traveled with only one bag each from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, discovered their actual luggage was missing on arrival. Back home, their children remain without their mother as the investigation drags on.
“We thought this would be a short trip, but it has turned into a nightmare. Prayer is the only thing we hold onto now,” Baffa lamented.
Government Intervention Awaited
Calls for justice have intensified as the Nigerian government steps in to address what Baffa described as “unholy conduct” by the airline. Meanwhile, both the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) stated they were not aware of Maryam’s detention at the time of reporting.
-Deeprows News
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