2024 Hajj: Former Grand Khadi Calls for Proper Investigation of NAHCON Officials Over Alleged Fraud, Says Some Pilgrims Received $200 instead of $500
By Omowumi Omotosho
A former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal Justice Idris Haroon, has called on the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged mismanagement of funds by officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) during the 2024 Hajj operation.
Haroon emphasized that, although the issue is still under review, any officials found guilty in the scandal should face consequences, given the seriousness of the matter.
The highly respected retired judge made these remarks during a live radio interview in Ilorin, the state capital.
He expressed his dismay that, as a guest of the King of Saudi Arabia during the recent Hajj, several pilgrims confided in him that they received only $200 instead of the $500 they were promised as travel allowances.
“This matter is yet to be decided, but I want it to be thoroughly investigated, and whoever is found to be part of this act of dishonesty that caused suffering to our pilgrims should not be spared,” Haroon stated.
He continued, “I was in Makkah during the last pilgrimage as a guest of King Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and some pilgrims confessed to me that many of them were only given $200 instead of $500, and when they got to Saudi, they were only given the equivalent of $200 in Riyal. That was how they took money from pilgrims. It is embarrassing that people who travel to serve God will be the ones who violate God’s law. You must be just and transparent.”
Haroon also urged the new NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Sale Uthman, “to return sanity to the commission and know that he is representing the entire Muslim community with successes of the job preoccupying his mind rather than pecuniary gain.”
Justice Haroon’s statements have added pressure on the federal government and NAHCON to ensure accountability in the handling of funds associated with the Hajj, a sacred journey for millions of Muslims around the world. The public now awaits further developments as the investigation progresses.
