In a recent government report, officials of the Zamfara State 2023 Hajj committee have been accused of allowing known terrorists to participate in the just-concluded hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. The report also points fingers at some committee members for embezzlement of funds, improper documentation, reductions in pilgrims’ allowances, and other corrupt practices.

This revelation follows a previous report by PREMIUM TIMES, which detailed the apprehension of

terrorists, their wives, and informants at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto upon their return from Saudi Arabia.

The 2023 hajj delegation committee, established by the state government, has submitted a comprehensive review of the recent hajj exercise to Governor Dauda Lawal. The committee recommends a thorough overhaul of the state’s Hajj Commission (ZAHCOM).

Musa Mallaha, the committee’s chairman, informed the governor that aside from permitting criminals to participate in the annual hajj exercise, ZAHCOM officials engaged in various methods to divert government and pilgrims’ funds. Challenges identified include a lack of proper documentation, non-compliance among local government areas, poor screening processes, issues with the BTA allowance, operation of numerous bank accounts, and a general lack of transparency.

Governor Lawal expressed his dismay over the misuse of pilgrims’ and public funds, as highlighted in the report. The report encompasses various aspects of the hajj exercise, including committee membership, staff strength, financial expenditures, and pilgrims’ deposits verification.

Despite these challenges, the report also commends certain achievements, such as the successful airlifting of 3,102 pilgrims back to Nigeria, effective coordination with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, and the establishment of sub-committees that facilitated smooth operations during the exercise.

Credit: Premium Times