Hajj: Kaduna warns appointed officials against taking bribes from pilgrims

The Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, has warned appointed officials for 2024 Hajj exercise against taking bribes before assisting pilgrims, or gratification after assisting them, because both are forbidden in Islam.

The Public Relations Officer of the pilgrims agency, Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, in a statement released said the executive chairman gave the warning during the maiden meeting between the officials and members of the committee set up by the state government to ensure a smooth hajj operation this year, as well as the management of the agency.

The chairman said the officials of the 2024 Hajj were chosen on merit and so they should serve pilgrims to the best of their abilities and with the fear of Allah (SWT) in mind.

The chairman who commended Governor Uba Sani for giving them a free hand to choose competent and experienced people that will facilitate this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, warned the officials not to cut corners in the discharge of their duties.

Malam Salihu also warned Pilgrim Registration Officers against collecting money for Hadaya for the slaughter of rams during hajj.

He reiterated that intending pilgrims should be given bank tellers to make deposits in naira, corresponding to the prevailing exchange rate of the dollar.

He said any complaint that is lodged against an official will be thoroughly investigated and if he or she is found wanting, he or she will be handed over to security agencies for prosecution.