Aliyu: Buhari’s Timely Intervention Saved Two Nigerians From Death – Dabiri-Erewa
Dabiri-Erewa says Buhari’s timely intervention saved Zainab and Ibrahim from being punished for the offence they did not commit.
Expresses worry over the release of suspects believed to have set them up.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for facilitating the release of two Nigerians arrested in Saudi Arabia.
It could be recalled that Zainab Aliyu, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, who embarked on Lesser Hajj in Dec. 2018, has been in detention in Saudi Arabia for allegedly being in possession of banned substances.
READ ALSO: Drug Trafficking: rCAN Hails Buhari Over Aliyu’s Release
Ibrahim Abubakar is the other Nigerian detained by the Saudi authority for an alleged drug-related offence.
Giving her commendation in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa said Buhari’s timely intervention saved the two Nigerians from being punished for the offence they did not commit.
“We thank God and thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his immediate intervention. When we brought the matter to him about two weeks ago, he immediately directed the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure Zainab and Ibrahim were released.
“All I can say is, I am happy that this young promising girl did not get punished for an offense she did not commit,” she said.
MUST READ: Alleged Drug Trafficking: Nigeria Secures Release of Aliyu in Saudi Arabia
Expressing her concern over the was the Saudi Authority was handling of case of the suspects, who allegedly planted banned substances in Zainab’s bag at the airport, she said those who set her up are now on bail.
“NDLEA must ensure prosecution of those culpable. Egypt Air and Ethiopian Air must ensure compulsory baggage identification of passengers.
“All the cases we have had so far have involved only those two airlines. Security surveillance at our airports must also be strengthened,” she pointed.
