Although Muhammad Aba Al-Khail owed his position as Governor of Buraidah to Ibn Saud, he nevertheless rebelled against him, declaring the town of Buraidah and its environs as an independent territory. Ibn Saud forced his way into the town, pointed out to Muhammad Aba Al-Khail the error of his ways, and then reappointed him as Governor. Muhammad Aba Al-Khail rewarded Ibn Saud for his magnanimity by taking the first opportunity to reassert Buraidah's independence. When Ibn Saud returned, he found that Muhammad Aba Al-Khail had prepared his defenses more carefully this time. Ibn Saud was unable to force his way into the town. He therefore turned his attention to the surrounding villages. When the citizens of Buraidah realized that their own land and property were at Ibn Saud's mercy, some of them opened the town gates to let him in.
The accepted punishment for such treason was death, especially when the traitor repeated his offense. But, once again, Ibn Saud showed great magnanimity, simply banishing the errant Governor to Iraq.