Politics

Nigerian woman who went missing after arriving Doha found safe

Saratu Jibo Yusuf’s brother confirmed she had been found after her family raised concerns over her whereabouts following her arrival in Doha.

The 37-year-old Nigerian woman, Saratu Jibo Yusuf, who became unreachable after travelling to Doha, Qatar, has been found safe.

“My sister has been found today. She was sick and was taken to the hospital from the airport,” Mr Jibo said.

Mr Jibo commended Nigerians who helped amplify the family’s concerns, as well as the Nigerian Embassy in Doha, Qatar Airways and Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Ms Yusuf travelled from Lagos to Doha aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1408 on 1 September.

Her family had raised concerns after she became unreachable shortly after arriving in Doha.

Mr Jibo had told PREMIUM TIMES at the time that his sister’s last communication with the family was through WhatsApp while she was on the aircraft’s Wi-Fi.

A family friend who was waiting for her at the airport was also unable to locate her.

The family subsequently contacted the airline and airport authorities and was informed that Ms Yusuf had collected her luggage and left the terminal.

Mr Achimugu also announced Ms Yusuf’s recovery on X, saying he had spoken with her directly and confirmed she was safe.

According to him, her mobile phone and international passport had been held by Customs while officials sought to clarify some issues.

“She was unable to reach anyone while the process was ongoing,” he said.

Mr Achimugu said Ms Yusuf had been cleared and released and had regained possession of her belongings.

He added that she had contacted her family and assured him that she was safe.

The NCAA official also credited a Nigerian, Yusuf Adesoga, with helping to locate Ms Yusuf.

According to Mr Achimugu, Mr Adesoga visited security agencies in Doha and eventually tracked Ms Yusuf to where she was found.

Mr Achimugu also acknowledged Ms Yusuf’s brother for raising the alarm after she became unreachable.