Nigerian pilgrim commended for returning misplaced $5,000 to Russian owner in Makkah
Nigerian pilgrim commended for returning misplaced $5,000 to Russian owner in Makkah
A Nigerian pilgrim, identified as Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been praised for returning a lost sum of $5,000 (approximately ₦8.24 million) to its rightful owner, a Russian national, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Masjidul Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque, where Zainab discovered the cash and promptly handed it over.
The Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the development, lauding her honesty.
Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, Executive Secretary of the Plateau Pilgrims Board, described her action as “a remarkable display of integrity and compassion.”
In a related development, NAHCON has confirmed that discussions are underway with Saudi authorities to lift the temporary suspension on Hajj visa issuance.
In a statement on Wednesday, Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications, said Nigeria and several other countries are actively lobbying for the resumption of visa processing for prospective pilgrims.
“There is hope for a favourable resolution. Once the visa window reopens, NAHCON will immediately arrange for the transportation of registered pilgrims under a special schedule,” Usara assured, adding that staff have been placed on standby to manage the process swiftly if the restriction is lifted.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has expressed concern over a reported breach of medical screening protocols after a female pilgrim from Zamfara State gave birth in Madinah. The woman was said to have bypassed pregnancy screening before travelling.
Addressing the incident, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Research, and Information, said the Commission would work closely with state boards to enhance the screening of female pilgrims to protect their health and that of their unborn children.
He clarified, however, that state boards should not bear full responsibility for individual violations.
Commenting on rising incidents of theft and extortion in the Holy Land, particularly in Madinah, Yagawal condemned the activities of scammers preying on pilgrims.
“It’s shameful that anyone would exploit fellow Muslims in such a sacred place,” he said.
“We are intensifying education efforts to help pilgrims guard against fraudsters and protect their valuables, including their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), sacrificial offerings, and personal items.”
