The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is yet to appoint an ambassador to Nigeria seven months after recalling Ambassador Fouad Rajeh under controversial circumstances.
THISDAY gathered that Rajeh and other top officials of the Saudi embassy in Nigeria were recalled after reportedly assaulting a policeman guarding the official residence of the then Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar.
THISDAY also learnt that the unnamed policeman had attempted to stop the ambassador from driving through a road beside the IG’s residence, triggering a heated argument. The envoy, sources said, slapped the policeman before speeding off. It was further gathered that the police authorities had reported Rajeh to officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Nigerian officials, it was learnt, formally complained to the Saudi government, resulting in the envoy’s recall.
Investigations revealed that Rajeh and several top officials of the Saudi embassy were recalled in July 2014. The embassy has since been headed by a Charge d’affaires or diplomatic secretary.
The embassy refused to respond to several telephone and email enquiries from THISDAY on the matter. A female operator said she was not authorised to comment on the “sensitive matter”. She promised that the Charge d’affaires would return the calls, but he didn’t.
