The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 55-year-old drug kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar, also known as Bello Karama, and five others in connection with a criminal syndicate that allegedly planted illicit drugs in the luggage of three unsuspecting Nigerian pilgrims, now detained in Saudi Arabia.
The development was disclosed during a press briefing held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event were the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi; Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim; and Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo.
According to the NDLEA, the three Nigerian victims, Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq were detained in Jeddah on allegations of drug trafficking after arriving for lesser hajj on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Kano via Addis Ababa on August 6, 2025.
Following complaints from the families of the detainees, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), ordered a full investigation.
The probe, according to the agency , revealed that members of a drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) had secretly tagged six extra pieces of luggage including three containing drugs to the innocent pilgrims without their knowledge.
“The luggage containing the illicit substances was traced back to Mohammed Ali Abubakar (aka Bello Karama), who orchestrated the operation,” the agency revealed. “While the three pilgrims flew Ethiopian Airlines, Karama traveled separately on Egypt Air but had arranged for his drug-laden bags to be checked in under their names.”
The illegal tagging and check-in were reportedly facilitated by corrupt staff members of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), who are part of the syndicate. The NDLEA disclosed that the suspects have made confessional statements.
Among those arrested are Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir. Karama, the ringleader, admitted checking in seven bags, while Yayock and Kabir each confessed to assisting in the operation for a fee of ₦100,000. Financial transaction receipts corroborating these claims were also recovered by the agency.
The NDLEA is now in talks with Saudi authorities, particularly the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), to secure the release of the detained Nigerians. Brig. Gen. Marwa is expected to meet GDNC officials during an upcoming international drug conference, and has expressed readiness to personally travel to Saudi Arabia to pursue justice.
“These Nigerians are victims of a well-orchestrated criminal conspiracy,” Babafemi said. “The evidence is overwhelming that they had no knowledge or involvement in the crime for which they are being held. Nigeria will not abandon its citizens when the truth is this clear.”
The agency also thanked the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security (AVSEC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their cooperation. Interim security measures have already been implemented at MAKIA to prevent a recurrence.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to tackling drug trafficking while ensuring that innocent individuals are protected.
“There are no sacred cows in our fight against illicit drugs,” Babafemi emphasized. “And while we remain aggressive in enforcement, we will never allow innocent lives to be destroyed by criminal elements.”
Charges have been filed against four suspects, and their arraignment is expected soon. Investigations remain ongoing.