Three Nigerian women arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia have been acquitted and released.

In a statement on Sunday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said the women were released after “prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements” between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The trio, identified as Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah, and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Ebienfa said they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals, who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5 gm, respectively,” the statement reads.

“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abetting the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

“The ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the consulate-general of Nigeria in Jeddah.

“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, consul-general of Nigeria in Jeddah, who is currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”

A Nigerian socialite, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, popularly known as “Cash Madam,” is dead and her family has announced her burial.

According to the family, the businesswoman, who came into reckoning in the 60s, died on Sunday at the age of 89 during a brief illness.

A statement by her son, Dr. Adebayo Adebowale, confirmed that Edionseri died on Sunday.

Adebowale said in the statement that she will be buried on Monday (today) at 4pm at her home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The statement said: “With deep gratitude to Allah for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri (née Elegbede), who returned to her Creator on 5th January 2025 at the age of 89, following a brief illness.

“Her life was a shining example of grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. Princess Edionseri touched the lives of many through her wisdom, kindness, and dedication to both her family and her community. She taught us the importance of love, resilience, and faith in Allah, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

“As we grieve this monumental loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Her laughter, warmth, and the values she instilled will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us as we navigate life without her physical presence.

“The funeral will take place according to Islamic rites on Monday, 6th January 2025, at 4:00 PM at her residence in Abeokuta GRA. May Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grant her Jannatul Firdaus, and strengthen us all during this difficult time. Ameen.”

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has debunked the rumour that he has left the ruling “All Progressives Congress” (APC) and has decamped to the opposition “Peoples Democratic Party” (PDP).

According to Channels Television, a close aide of the former governor said that the rumour is the handiwork of mischief makers, noting that El-Rufai, being a prominent political figure, couldn’t have decamped to the PDP without making it public.

Also reacting to the rumour on his verified X handle, formerly known as Twitter, El-Rufai asked the public to disregard the rumour and patent lies about his political affiliation.

He also said that he has referred the lead peddlers of the fake news to his lawyers for legal action.

“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” he wrote on Sunday.