At least 23 Nigerians are on death row in Saudi Arabia over drug-related offences.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Saudi Arabia Government on Saturday, August 24.
However, a source has disclosed to 1st News that the Federal Government is set to intervene in the matter. Specifically, the government will be looking to engage the Saudi Arabia government on behalf of the convicted Nigerians.
Indeed, the Saudi government has often summarily executed convicted capital offenders, including Nigerians, in the past. However, the source disclosed that the number of Nigerians involved to be executed in one fell swoop is worrisome.
Furthermore, the source added that the development may see the Ministry of Foreign Affairs step in to explore a solution. Geoffrey Onyeama was retained as Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Meanwhile, the statement released by the Saudi authorities revealed the suspects were arrested between 2016 and 2017. Specifically, they were arrested at King Abdul-Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdu-Aziz International Airport, Madinah.
In addition, the suspects were said to have concealed the narcotic substance in their rectums.
This act contravenes the Saudi Government’s rules on narcotic and psychotropic substances. Equally important, the offence is punishable by death.
Additionally, the latest case is coming a few weeks after Saudi authorities executed Kudirat Afolabi for drug trafficking. Another Nigerian, Saheed Sobade, reportedly nabbed with 1,183 grams of cocaine in Jeddah, was also executed.
The names of the convicted persons were given as:
Adeniyi Adebayo Zikri
Tunde Ibrahim
Jimoh Ishola Lawal
Lolo Babatunde
Sulaiman Tunde
Idris Adewuumi Adepoju
Abdul Raimi Awela Ajibola
Yusuf Makeen Ajiboye
Adam Idris Abubakar
Saka Zakaria
Biola Lawal
Isa Abubakar Adam
Ibrahim Chiroma
Hafis Amosu
Aliu Muhammad
Funmilayo Omoyemi Bishi
Mistura Yekini
Amina Ajoke Alobi
Kuburat Ibrahim
Alaja Olufunke Alalaoe Abdulqadir
Fawsat Balagun Alabi
Aisha Muhammad Amira
Adebayo Zakariya.
