Nigerians Remain In Saudi Prisons Over Unpaid Fines, Envoy Says

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Yakubu Gambo, has said some Nigerians remain in Saudi prisons and detention centres after completing their jail terms because they have not paid outstanding fines.

Gambo raised the concern during a visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission headquarters in Abuja, where he met NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

He said the affected Nigerians had served their sentences but were still being held because the fines attached to their convictions remained unpaid.

The envoy also raised wider concerns about the welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and called for stronger public awareness before citizens travel or take up jobs abroad.

Dabiri-Erewa said NiDCOM would continue to work with Nigerian missions to protect citizens abroad and improve public information on migration risks.

Punch and Vanguard reported the same disclosure and carried the NiDCOM meeting photo showing Gambo with Dabiri-Erewa.

Sources: Punch and Vanguard.