Zainab Aliyu, wrongly detained in Saudi Arabia for illicit drug, completes NYSC

Zainab Aliyu

A graduate of Maitama Sule University, Kano, Zainab Aliyu who was wrongly detained in Saudi Arabia last year for possession of illicit drug, has completed her NYSC service year.

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa announced this on Twitter on Thursday.

Ms Aliyu joined the 2019 Batch “B” Stream 2 corps members in passing out in low-key ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Remember Zainab Aliyu, wrongly jailed in Saudi for carrying drugs she had no knowledge of, and rescued with the intervention of ⁦@MBuhari⁩ ? She just completed her NYSC. We wish Zainab the best as she moves on to great success in life,” wrote the NIDCOM boss.

Ms Aliyu was arrested last year at a Saudi airport after a banned drug, tramadol, was found in her bag.

The student had reportedly travelled from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in company of her mother, Maryam Aliyu, and sister but was arrested over allegation that a bag bearing her nametag contained the unlawful substance.

Zainab returned to the country in May 2019 after Dabiri-Erewa’s office and that of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and other related agencies worked towards her release.