On Friday, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa visited the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to seek expedited prosecution of culprits in a drug trafficking case involving Zainab Aliyu.

Ms Aliyu was arrested in Saudi Arabia in May, 2019 and sentenced to death when prohibited drugs were found in her luggage. She denied any knowledge of the banned substances and pleaded for redress.

“It would be recalled that Zainab Aliyu was allegedly accused of drug trafficking and consequently sentenced to death but through the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari, facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, she was set free. Also set free was Ibrahim Ibrahim,” Ms Dabiri-Erewa explained to NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa during her visit.

Ms Erewa however expressed her dismay that those who put Ms Aliyu through the harrowing experience are still walking free.

”The intriguing thing here is that judgement on the matter is yet to be adjudicated, giving room for those culpable walking about freely without let or hindrance.

“The culprits have been apprehended but they are walking about freely. It’s been two years and nothing has been done,” she said.

Ms Aliyu, who was present during the visit with her sister, appreciated the intervention of President Buhari in her case and also pleaded for justice.

“My case has been in court for over two years and some months now. All I want is justice for me and other victims like me,” she said.

Mr Marwa said that he is interested in the case and assured that his office would not relent until justice is served.

The NDLEA chairman gave assurances that the airports are now more strict and efforts have been intensified to safeguard innocent citizens.

He added if measures are put in place at the airports, drug-related incidents would be reduced.

Also during the visit, Ms Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that there were plans by Nigerians in diaspora to establish drug rehabilitation centers in Nigeria and even offer professional counseling services.

She sought the support of the anti-drug trafficking agency to realise the project.

Mr Marwa also welcomed the initiative where Nigerians in diaspora embark on sensitisation and counselling against drug use, abuse and trafficking, especially by young adults.

He said that more rehabilitation centres are definitely needed.

“As we seize and prosecute, we should also consider those who abuse substances and find ways to rehabilitate them,” he said.

Mr Marwa also said that President Buhari was keen at drug-demand reduction and has mandated that it should be balanced.

(NAN)