CORRUPTION DISGUISED AS FAITH: HOW SOME IN CALABAR EXPLOIT ISLAM FOR PERSONAL GAIN

In Calabar, disturbing reports have emerged about a group exploiting Islam as a tool to access and divert government resources for personal benefit. Under the guise of religious service, these individuals have turned sacred platforms like Hajj sponsorship into a business opportunity, allegedly selling government-funded slots meant for devout pilgrims.

At the center of this scheme are certain individuals from the Hausa community, who are often viewed as the face of Islam in Cross River State. Leveraging this perception, they have allegedly positioned themselves as gatekeepers of Muslim-related government support. With time, some members of the Yoruba community joined in, forming a network that reportedly misappropriated funds meant for the larger Muslim population.

However, tensions rose when the original group allegedly cut out their Yoruba collaborators. In response, the sidelined group established a new body called the “CRS Yoruba Muslim Community.” Insiders claim that this new organization’s primary goal is not religious upliftment, but rather a strategic move to reclaim access to government funds—this time, under a new banner.

This situation has sparked outrage among genuine Muslims in the state, who fear that such acts not only deprive the community of rightful support but also taint the reputation of Islam in Cross River.