Nigerian Man on Death Row in Saudi Arabia Could Be Freed After $570,000 Raised by Seyi Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Diaspora Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian man on death row in Saudi Arabia for over 20 years, may soon be released following the payment of $570,000 as blood money (Diyya). Funds were raised by Nigerians in the diaspora, Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Tinubu, and a GoFundMe campaign. NIDCOM confirmed that diplomatic engagement and payment of Diyya pave the way for his possible release, emphasizing fairness and Nigeria-Saudi Arabia relations. The case had drawn attention from Amnesty International, which urged President Tinubu’s intervention. #Nigeria #SaudiArabia #DeathRow #SuleimonOlufemi #DiasporaSupport #SeyiTinubu #BabajideSanwoOlu #NIDCOM

NIDCOM Rebuts Amnesty International, Confirms $570,000 Blood Money Paid to Secure Release of Nigerian on Death Row in Saudi Arabia The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has countered claims by Amnesty International over the prolonged detention of Suleimon Olufemi, a Nigerian who has spent more than 20 years on death row in Saudi Arabia, insisting that critical facts were omitted from Amnesty’s narrative. NIDCOM disclosed that Olufemi’s death sentence was converted after the victim’s family agreed to accept blood money under Saudi Arabia’s Sharia-based legal system. According to the commission, following years of diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the victim’s family demanded $570,000 in compensation. NIDCOM said the funds were successfully raised through a coordinated effort involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, private donors, and supporters, including contributions from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Seyi Tinubu during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. NIDCOM confirmed that the full amount has been paid into a designated account and that Nigerian authorities are awaiting final approval from Saudi officials to secure Olufemi’s release. While acknowledging Amnesty International’s advocacy role, the commission accused the organisation of failing to assist during the critical fundraising stage and urged it to present factual and balanced accounts. NIDCOM expressed optimism that Olufemi, who has consistently maintained his innocence, will soon regain his freedom after more than two decades in prison. : #NIDCOM #SaudiArabia #HumanRights

Saudi Arabia Warns Nigerian Pilgrims: Hajj Without Valid Visa Attracts N8.15m Fine, Jail Term The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned that anyone caught performing the 2026 Hajj without a valid visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (≈N8.15m) and imprisonment. The warning was issued during a virtual meeting between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to review preparations. Saudi officials stressed strict compliance with deadlines, including: MoU signing: November 2025 Camp booking/service contracts: January 4, 2026 Transport & accommodation uploads: February 1, 2026 Final visa issuance: 1st of Shawwal They also mandated that all sacrificial rites (Hadaya) and bookings be completed via the Nusuk Masar platform. NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman pledged adherence to ensure smooth coordination for Nigerian pilgrims. #Hajj2026 #SaudiArabia #Nigeria

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Drug Kingpin, Five Others Over Kano Pilgrims’ Detention In Saudi Arabia The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug kingpin and five members of his syndicate accused of planting narcotics in the luggage of innocent pilgrims who flew out of Kano to Saudi Arabia earlier this month. The syndicate, led by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, allegedly smuggled illicit substances onto Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6 for Jeddah via Addis Ababa. Their actions reportedly led to the detention of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia — including a 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini, Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq — all still being held on drug trafficking charges. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, investigations showed the pilgrims checked in only one personal bag each, but members of the syndicate, working with Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) staff, illegally tagged six additional bags in their names, three of which contained drugs. Karama allegedly travelled separately on Egypt Air while accomplices checked in the narcotics. Other suspects named include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, all of whom reportedly confessed, with payment trails traced to them. NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) is expected to meet with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) during an upcoming international drug conference to push for the release of the innocent detainees. “The evidence clearly shows these Nigerians are victims of a criminal conspiracy, not traffickers. We will pursue this matter until justice is done,” Babafemi said. The case has reignited concerns over airport baggage security, with fresh measures promised at Kano airport. Families of the detained pilgrims have also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts. “She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God. Instead, she is in prison for a crime others committed. Now that the truth is out, Nigeria must bring her back,” said Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa. #NDLEA #DrugTrafficking #Kano #SaudiArabia

“Mark your calendars: Saudi Arabia declares June 6 as Sallah Day, celebrating faith and unity.” — According to Nigeria Stories Saudi Arabia declares June 6 as Sallah day. #SaudiArabia #SallahDay #June6 #Celebration