A number of Kwara pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj have fallen victim to a currency scam in Saudi Arabia, prompting swift intervention from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to recover their losses.
According to a statement released by the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board on Saturday, the affected pilgrims were each issued the standard \$500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in five \$100 bills before departure. The disbursement took place publicly under the watch of the Directorate of State Security (DSS), with each pilgrim confirming and signing for the amount after counting it.
However, upon arrival in Medina, some pilgrims—mainly elderly and unfamiliar with foreign currencies—reportedly approached strangers for help converting their dollars to Saudi Riyals. These strangers took advantage of their trust, allegedly switching the \$100 bills for \$1 notes in what is now believed to be a targeted scam.
The incident came to light after a viral video showed some of the pilgrims displaying the swapped bills, prompting an internal investigation by the Board.
“Our findings suggest that the fraud occurred post-arrival in Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims were unfortunately exploited while seeking help with currency exchange,” said AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, Executive Secretary of the Board.
In a swift and compassionate response, Governor AbdulRazaq approved the reissuance of $500 to each defrauded pilgrim. The Governor had earlier visited Kwara pilgrims in Mecca and provided financial support to all, easing the burden of personal expenses during the pilgrimage.
“We are grateful for the Governor’s prompt intervention and generosity. May Allaah reward him abundantly,” the Board stated.
The Pilgrims’ Board also backed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposed plan to transition from cash-based BTA payments to preloaded debit cards, noting that such a move would reduce the risks of fraud and better protect vulnerable pilgrims.
“This unfortunate situation has not only affected Kwara pilgrims. Similar scams have been reported among pilgrims from other states. We fully support reforms that will ensure safer and more transparent disbursements,” the statement added.
The Board condemned the actions of those behind the fraud and called on the public to provide any information that could help identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to safeguard the welfare and security of Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj.
Advertisement
