An Islamic scholar and lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Imam Abubakr Ali-Agan, has raised concerns over alarming cases of fraud allegedly being committed by some Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Prof. Ali-Agan, who is currently performing the pilgrimage, made the disclosure in a video.
He disclosed that despite the spiritual significance of the Hajj, some evil-minded individuals are taking advantage of fellow pilgrims under the pretense of assisting them with currency exchange.
“It’s unfortunate. The Nigerian government gives each pilgrim money to support their stay here,” the professor stated. “But sadly, some Nigerians have turned this holy exercise into an opportunity to cheat fellow pilgrims. They already came with several $1 bills and are using them to deceive others.”
According to him, an elderly pilgrim from Yobe State was recently swindled by a fellow Nigerian in Mecca. The victim had entrusted $500 to someone who claimed he would help convert the money into Saudi Riyal.
“But the man returned and claimed he couldn’t convert the money,” Ali-Agan narrated. “Instead, he gave the old man five $1 notes — essentially defrauding him of $495. It was only when the old man got to a legitimate money exchange centre that he discovered he had been scammed.”
The Islamic scholar, who condemned the act, described it a shameful stain on Nigeria’s image abroad.
“This is criminality in the holy land. It’s not only shameful, it’s sinful,” he said. “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.”
Ali-Agan emphasised that pilgrims must remain vigilant and warned that such incidents could attract diplomatic embarrassment and spiritual consequences.