NEWS
Saudi Arabia Executes Nigerian Convicted of Cocaine Smuggling in Madinah
Saudi Arabian authorities have carried out the death penalty against a Nigerian national, Idris Ibrahim, after he was convicted of smuggling cocaine into the Kingdom.
The execution took place in the Madinah region on Monday, August 24, 2026, corresponding to 11 Rabi Al-Awwal 1448 AH, following the completion of a lengthy legal process.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Ibrahim was arrested after security authorities uncovered his involvement in the smuggling of cocaine into the country. Investigations were subsequently launched, leading to the filing of formal criminal charges against him.
The case was referred to the competent court, where he was found guilty of the drug-smuggling offence and sentenced to death under Saudi Arabia’s discretionary punishment provisions.
The conviction and sentence were later reviewed and upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. A royal order was subsequently issued authorising the implementation of the death sentence in accordance with the Kingdom’s laws.
Authorities confirmed that the sentence was carried out in the Madinah region on Monday.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated Saudi Arabia’s determination to combat drug trafficking and shield society from the devastating consequences of narcotics. It maintained that the Kingdom would continue to enforce severe penalties against those involved in the smuggling, distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs.
The execution serves as another stark reminder of Saudi Arabia’s strict approach to narcotics-related offences, with authorities warning that anyone found guilty of such crimes faces serious and potentially fatal legal consequences.