CLARIFICATIONS,ACTIONS TAKEN ON REPORTS OF KWARA PILGRIMS DEFRAUDED OF THEIR BTA

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has concluded a preliminary investigation into the recent reports of some Kwara pilgrims being defrauded of their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).

Each pilgrim was duly issued $500 in five $100 bills, in a public setting and under the close supervision of officials from the Directorate of State Security (DSS), who verified the authenticity of the currency. Pilgrims also signed a confirmation of receipt after counting the money in the presence of Board officials and DSS representatives.

Following a viral video in which a few pilgrims claimed they received five $1 bills instead of $100 notes, our investigation suggests that these unfortunate incidents occurred after the pilgrims’ arrival in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Preliminary findings indicate that the affected individuals  mostly elderly and unfamiliar with foreign currencies unknowingly fell victim to fraudsters posing as helpers. These individuals took advantage of their vulnerability, deceptively swapping $100 bills for $1 bills while pretending to assist with currency exchange.

To support the victims of this deceitful act, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has graciously approved a refund of $500 to each affected pilgrim. May Allah reward this swift and compassionate intervention.

Earlier, the Governor had also visited Kwara pilgrims at their hotel in Makkah, where he extended financial assistance to all pilgrims to help with their local expenses.

We express our profound gratitude for this generous and timely support.

In light of this development which has reportedly affected pilgrims from other states as well  we strongly support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposal to transition from cash-based BTA disbursement to preloaded debit cards. This measure will enhance security, reduce the risk of fraud, and help especially the elderly to manage their funds safely and efficiently.

We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of those who exploited the trust of innocent pilgrims and urge the public to provide any credible information that may lead to the identification and prosecution of the perpetrators.

Further investigations are ongoing.