A disturbing trend of fraud has been uncovered among some Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Prof. Imam Abubakr Ali-Agan, an Islamic scholar and lecturer at the university of Ilorin, has revealed that some pilgrims are taking advantage of their fellow citizens by scamming them out of their money.
According to Prof. Ali-Agan, some Nigerian pilgrims are pretending to assist others with currency exchange, but instead, they are swindling them.
In one instance, an elderly pilgrim from Yobe State was defrauded of $495 by a fellow Nigerian who claimed he would help convert the money into Saudi Riyal. The scammer returned with five $1 notes, leaving the victim with a significant loss.
Prof. Ali-Agan has condemned the act, calling it a “shameful stain on Nigeria’s image abroad.” He emphasized that pilgrims must remain vigilant and warned that such incidents could attract diplomatic embarrassment and spiritual consequences.
The Islamic scholar advised pilgrims to utilize the services of designated officials for currency exchange, rather than handing over their money to strangers. He stated, “Let this be a reminder to all pilgrims: the Nigerian government has designated officials to assist with currency exchange. Don’t hand over your money to strangers. Don’t fall into the trap of these scammers.”
This revelation comes on the heels of the Department of State Services (DSS) arresting an alleged kidnap kingpin, Sani Galadi, at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto as he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
