FG dismisses report of Nigerians awaiting execution in Saudi Arabia

The Nigerian government on Tuesday August 26, dismissed report of  23 Nigerians awaiting execution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after being convicted for drug offences. 

This is coming days after the media and social media went wild with names of the convicts awaiting execution. 

However the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its statement which countered the report, said it has been in contact with the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia “and it has been confirmed that the story is false and should be disregarded.”

The Ministry’s spokesperson, Ferdinand Nwonye also told newsmen that they are also investigating claims of some of the accused being arraigned without adequate legal representation in accordance with internationally accepted legal principles.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Mission was not informed of the arrests and trials.  The Federal Government is, therefore, engaging the Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels with a view to finding a just solution” the MFA spokesperson said.