Nigerian woman held incommunicado in Doha found safe — NCAA

Abdullateef Fowewe

A Nigerian woman who sparked a nationwide search after going incommunicado upon arrival in Doha, Qatar, has been confirmed safe and released by Qatari authorities.

This was made known in a final update received from Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu.

Achimugu said Qatari Customs had temporarily held the woman’s phone and international passport “for clarification,” leaving her unable to contact anyone while the process was ongoing.

He added that she has now been cleared, released, and has regained possession of her properties, and has since reconnected with her family.

“I have spoken with the lady. She is safe. Her mobile phone and international passport were held by Customs who were trying to clarify some issues. She was unable to reach anyone while the process was ongoing. However, she has been cleared and released, and has possession of her properties. She has contacted her family, too.

“She assured me that she is safe, and she appreciates everyone who showed concern for her safety,” he added.

The update credited the woman’s brother, Jibo, for “sounding the alarm bell” and refusing to back down, a move Achimugu said “got millions of Nigerians united in an effort to find his sister.”

He also praised Nigerian volunteer @YusufAdesoga, who visited multiple security agencies in Doha and helped track the woman to where she was found.

“I would like to thank a dear Nigerian, @YusufAdesoga, who collaborated with me and, at great inconvenience, visited all security agencies in Doha, and eventually tracked the lady to where she was found today,” he wrote.

“Mr. Yusuf is exemplary, and I appreciate his effort.”

With direct confirmation from the woman, Achimugu declared the matter resolved.

“With her direct assurance that she is safe, I now consider this case closed from my end,” he noted.