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Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four associates of Lagos-based drug kingpin, Alhaji Suleiman Aremu Ganiu, also known as Barryshine or Ejeoto, wanted for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking operations.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Monday.

    According to the statement, Barryshine is already facing criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The statement indicated that the declaration follows an order issued by Honourable Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, permitting the NDLEA to publicly list the suspects as wanted individuals. 

    The individuals declared wanted are Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulai, also known as Alhaji Loyingbo; Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye, who goes by the aliases Igbono, Baba Eje, Ade Iwaya, and Femi Iwaya; Olumuyiwa Olufemi Ilori, also called Murphy; and Alate Kafy Bakare Bukki of Kaffy Travels.

    Babafemi said in its ruling on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the court granted NDLEA’s request in charge no. FHC/L/731C/2024. 

    It ordered that Abdulai, Abidoye, Ilori, and Bukki be declared wanted by public notice, with their photographs conspicuously displayed, as they remain at large despite their involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities linked to Barryshine.

    The leader of the syndicate, Suleiman Ganiu Aremu, was arrested on August 26, 2024, following a two-year investigation by NDLEA, the statement indicated.

    Read Also: Deportee undergoes surgery in NDLEA custody after ingesting 81 cocaine pellets

    The suspect said he had been on the agency’s watchlist due to his role in four failed attempts to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos between 2022 and 2024. 

    Babafemi said several of his drug mules have already been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted, while Barryshine himself is currently facing multiple criminal charges at a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The NDLEA called on the public to provide any information on the whereabouts of the four wanted suspects. 

    Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to report to the nearest NDLEA Command, call the agency’s toll-free helpline at 080010203040, or send direct messages to NDLEA’s social media accounts on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok (@ndlea_nigeria), Facebook (@ndlea01), or YouTube (@ndleatv).

  • Palestinians, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UK, others reject Trump’s plan to ‘own Gaza Strip’

    Palestinians, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UK, others reject Trump’s plan to ‘own Gaza Strip’

    World leaders and Palestinian authorities have rejected United States President Donald Trump’s plan to elongate his takeover list as he shared his wish to ‘own’ war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

    The Arab countries, who are also U.S. allies, as well as United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Spain France, Germany and others have rejected the proposal of relocating the Gazans to other countries while the war-torn state is rebuilt.

    Trump made the remarks on Gaza during a joint press conference in the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu standing beside him.

    He also suggested that the U.S. develop the land but gave no details on who would be allowed to live there.

    He proposed that all Palestinians currently living in Gaza — around 2 million people — should leave and be placed in other countries in the Middle East.

    But, the Palestinian Authority said it has categorically rejected Trump’s proposal to relocate the residents of the Gaza Strip.

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    Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, said the Palestinians will not relinquish their land, rights and sacred sites, and that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the land of the State of Palestine, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

    “The Palestinian leadership affirms its firm position that the two-state solution, in accordance with international legitimacy and international law, is the guarantee of security, stability and peace,’’ Hussein al-Sheikh said.

    Al-Sheikh is the Secretary-General of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), wrote on X yesterday.

    Hamas, which sparked the war with its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, said Trump’s proposal was a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.”

    Islamic Jihad declared that “Trump’s positions and plans are a dangerous escalation that threatens Arab and regional national security, especially in Egypt and Jordan, which the U.S. administration wants to put in confrontation with the Palestinian people and their rights.”

    The two-state solution provided for Israel and a Palestinian state to coexist as independent states.

    The Palestinian leadership “affirms its rejection of all calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people from their homeland.

  • Saudi Arabia rejects displacement of Palestinians from Gaza

    Saudi Arabia rejects displacement of Palestinians from Gaza

    The government of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday said it is not shifting ground on its long-held position that Palestinians must have their independent state.

    This position, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in apparent reaction to Donald Trump’s statement, said was non-negotiable.

     Trump was quoted to have said he wants the US to be on the Gaza Strip after all Palestinians are displaced from there and sent to other countries, where settlements will be constructed for them.

    However, the Saudi Arabian government said its position on the two-state solution has not changed, stressing that any formal relations between the Kingdom and Israel would be based on the creation of a viable Palestinian state.

    The ministry statement also highlighted a speech by the crown prince at the Shura Council on September 18, 2024, where he stressed that Saudi Arabia will continue its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, adding the Kingdom will not normalize ties with Israel without it.

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    The crown prince also shared a similar sentiment during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh on Nov. 11, 2024, where he stressed the continuation of efforts to establish a Palestinian state and demanded an end to Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

    He also stressed the importance of mobilizing the international community to support the rights of Palestinians in accordance to the resolutions of the UN General Assembly by considering Palestine eligible for full membership of the world body.

     “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also stresses its previously announced categorical rejection of any violation of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, annexation of Palestinian territories, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.

    “The Kingdom said that it’s the international community’s duty to work to alleviate the severe human suffering of the Palestinian people, who will remain in their land.

    “Lasting and just peace cannot be achieved without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, and this is what was previously explained to the previous and current American administrations,” the ministry statement said.

    Trump, standing next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, said the Palestinians would be better off living outside of Gaza which has been bombed to rubble during Israel’s brutal 15-month attack.

    “I don’t think people should be going back,” Trump said. “You can’t live in Gaza right now. I think we need another location. I think it should be a location that’s going to make people happy.”

    The president insists Egypt and Jordan would have to take the Gazans he plans to displace. Both countries have rejected the idea outright.

  • Saudi Arabia sponsors Nigerians for lesser Hajj

    Saudi Arabia sponsors Nigerians for lesser Hajj

    The Saudi Arabia embassy in Abuja has hosted a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

    A statement issued by the embassy in Abuja said the ceremony held under the leadership of Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria.

    It said the initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Al Saud, provides Muslims the opportunity to undertake the lesser Hajj with full sponsorship.

    The statement quoted the ambassador as thanking King Al Saud and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their dedication to Islam’s holy sites.

    He also praised their exceptional leadership in enhancing the services provided to pilgrims and ensuring that their journey to the sacred sites is both spiritually fulfilling and seamless.

    “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour.

    ” Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” he said.

    Al-Ghamdi, according to the statement, said the country had invested over 100 billion dollars in the recent expansion and modernisation of the two holy mosques.

    According to him, these ambitious projects, encompassing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims.

    He added that Saudi Arabia was sparing no effort in mobilising resources to improve pilgrimage experience for all Muslims.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Saudi Arabia deepen ties on solid minerals

    Al-Ghamdi also emphasised the importance of adhering to the country ‘s laws and regulations, designed to maintain order and ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

    “The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God.

    ” This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

    Guests at the occasion expressed appreciation for the opportunity made available through the sponsorship initiative.

    NAN reports that the programme provides pilgrims with the opportunity to perform the lesser Hajj, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation and other logistics.

    (NAN)

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia deepen ties on solid minerals

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia deepen ties on solid minerals

    Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have renewed plans to build the capacity of their geological agencies by leveraging the breakthroughs recorded by Saudi firms in mineral exploration.

    The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, made this known in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    He said that this was on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Tomori said the decision was taken at a closed-door meeting  between a delegation from Saudi Arabia led by its Minister of Mining, Bandar Al-Khorayef, and Nigeria’s delegation led by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.

    He said Alake proposed for both countries to collaborate on areas of economic advantage, urging partnerships based on the sector’s value chain.

    Citing Saudi Arabia’s renowned gold market as an example, Alake said Nigeria’s gold refineries could access the Saudi market under protective clauses, guaranteeing expansion opportunities for both economies.

    On his part, the Saudi Minister disclosed that its government and the private sector were working together to introduce new technologies for mineral exploration.

    He emphasised that new products were showcased at the minerals forum conference to foster business partnerships and raise awareness of their applications.

    Read Aso: Saudi Arabia sponsors 20 Nigerians on pilgrimage 

    Alake also met with officials of the Saudi Chamber of Commerce, where he canvassed their investment in Nigeria’s mining sector.

    He urged them to leverage the large deposits of lithium and iron ore, which were being processed in  Nigeria in line with the value addition policy.

    To de-risk their investment, the minister promised to direct the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, to provide relevant data on their minerals of interest.

    According to the minister, the global transition toward electric machines, which use lithium batteries, has positioned Nigeria as a critical supplier of minerals

    Tomori quoted him saying, “Partnership with Saudi investors will encourage the export of finished industrial inputs.”

    Acknowledging the investment in steel production in Saudi Arabia, the minister cited examples of companies processing iron ore to steel in Nigeria as precedents that could be replicated.

    He said that Nigeria was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors to ensure smooth operations in mining projects.

    The minister said they included the establishment of laboratories for the separation and analysis of mineral samples, among other facilities.

     “Nigeria has the best certified laboratories for minerals in West Africa,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 Future Minerals Forum (FMF) with the theme: “Year of Impact,’ was held from Jan. 14 to 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    The meeting was to bolster international collaboration in producing the critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.

  • Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU on 2025 Hajj

    Nigeria, Saudi Arabia sign MoU on 2025 Hajj

    Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this year’s Hajj.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, was represented at the signing ceremony by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, while KSA’s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdulfattah Mashat, signed on behalf of Saudi Arabia.

    Preparations for the 2025 Hajj have begun, building on the previous agreements.

    Read Also: AGF confirms recovery of over $110m in assets

    The key activities for the holy pilgrimage include bilateral meetings and MoU signing. Other activities against the backdrop of the MoU signing will be the fourth edition of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition, which brings all stakeholders across sectors together to fine-tune the Hajj modalities and elevate the quality of services offered to pilgrims.

    Ambassador Tuggar, according to a statement by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding tradition of signing annual Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate the smooth conduct of Hajj pilgrimages for Nigerian Muslims. These agreements outline the responsibilities and expectations of both nations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive adequate services and support during the 2025 Hajj exercise.

    “These MoUs ensure Nigerian pilgrims have a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience. They facilitate collaboration on various aspects, including accommodation, transportation, and healthcare services, thereby enhancing the overall welfare of the pilgrims.”

  • Fed Govt secures release of three Nigerians prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

    Fed Govt secures release of three Nigerians prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

    The Federal Government yesterday said it had secured the release of three Nigerians – Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi – arrested and prosecutor in Saudi Arabia for drug trafficking.

    A statement in Abuja by the acting spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the release of the three Nigerians followed prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements.

    The statement reads: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals – Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah, and Fatima Kannai Gamboi – arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, have been released after spending 10 months in detention.

    Read Also: Nigeria in talks with Saudi Arabia to strengthens economic ties

    “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 grammes and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5 grammes, respectively. 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 recalls 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 Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah, and are currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”

  • FG secures release of three Nigerians prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

    FG secures release of three Nigerians prosecuted for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

    The federal government on Sunday disclosed how it was able to secure the release of its national arrested and prosecutor for drug trafficking.

    The three ladies, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, were arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on 5th March 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia. 

    They were seen as accomplices to two other Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively.

    However, following the intervention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the trio were released. 

    Their release, according to a statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

    Acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed some prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements. 

    Ebienfa said they have been handed over to the country’s Consulate-General in Jeddah.

    The statement reads: “The Ministry of  Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on 5th March 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia, has been 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 789.5gm, respectively. The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

    Read Also: Shettima in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, bilateral talks

    “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 Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and are currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”

  • Nigeria in talks with Saudi Arabia to strengthens economic ties

    Nigeria in talks with Saudi Arabia to strengthens economic ties

    A Nigerian delegation, headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is in Riyadh to enhance economic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

    According to a statement on the Ministry of Finance’s official X handle, the delegation represents President Bola Tinubu and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council. 

    It has initiated a series of strategic meetings with key Saudi institutions and government officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

    During talks with the Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM Bank), the delegation explored mechanisms for export credit and insurance to boost trade and investment opportunities. 

    The Saudi EXIM Bank expressed its commitment to fostering stronger ties with Nigerian financial institutions and signaled interest in participating in future transactions involving Saudi government entities. 

    These discussions aim to expand market access and support Nigeria’s trade diversification efforts.

    The delegation also engaged with the Saudi Development Fund, a globally recognized financing institution for infrastructure and economic development. 

    Discussions focused on identifying collaborative projects that could drive Nigeria’s economic growth and infrastructure expansion.

    In a bid to advance Nigeria’s agricultural development, the delegation held discussions with the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC). 

    Talks highlighted SALIC’s current investments in Nigeria and plans for further expansion, emphasizing the potential for enhanced collaboration in agriculture and livestock sectors.

    These engagements underscore Nigeria’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Saudi Arabia to bolster trade, investment, and development initiatives.

    The company insisted on its commitment to responsible investment practices that prioritize food security, agricultural output growth, and job creation in Nigeria. 

    This collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s drive to enhance its agribusiness sector and ensure sustainable food production.

    The delegation also engaged in a series of high-level meetings with Saudi ministers responsible for Finance, Energy, and Economy and Planning. 

    These discussions aimed to foster bilateral cooperation across vital sectors, with a view to leveraging Saudi Arabia’s expertise and resources in energy development, economic planning, and financial management.

    Accompanying Mr. Edun on this mission were members of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council and other key officials, including: Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning. Mr. Wale Tinubu, member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council. Ms. Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy and Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor (Economic Policy) of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

  • JUST IN: Shettima arrives Saudi Arabia

    JUST IN: Shettima arrives Saudi Arabia

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has landed at the Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madina, Saudi Arabia to perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

    This was disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    On arrival, Vice President Shettima was received by Abdulmohsen Bin Nayef Bin Hamed, the Deputy Governor of Madina Region, along with Nigerian diplomatic officials, including Consulate General of Jeddah, Ambassador Mu’azzam Nayaya.

    The Vice President is in Medina for a visit to the Holy Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and other holy sites before proceeding to Mecca where he will perform the Lesser Hajj (Umrah).

    Read Also: JUST IN: VP Shettima departs Dubai for Saudi Arabia

    On December 20, 2024, VP Shettima is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah.

    Discussions at the meeting will centre on co-financing arrangements for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ Phase II) as well as enhancing coordination of IsDB projects in Nigeria to support the country’s agricultural and economic development.