Most of Nigerian Muslims are already in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage. They are all in the blessed lands of Makkah and Madinah, ready to fulfil this divine obligation at the Two Holy Mosques. Yet, behind the grandeur, garbs, and symbolism of Hajj, lies a disturbing contradiction in the country’s socio-economic and political landscape. Many ignorant people embark on Hajj without equipping themselves with the basic knowledge of Islam, including the essence of Hajj and the minimum expected manifestation of the fear of Allah (Taqwa). Recently, villains, bandits and charlatans were seen donning sacred garb, both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Yahaya Zango, a wanted bandit linked to multiple kidnappings in northern Nigeria, was arrested at the Hajj camp in Abuja during screening. Similarly, Sani Galadi, connected to abductions in Kogi state and Abuja, was apprehended at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto while preparing for pilgrimage. These arrests expose a disturbing trend! The purpose of this piece is to highlight how crucial it is for many Muslims to obtain a foundational education in Islam before hastily completing the Hajj. The five pillars of Islam form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The first is the Shahadah, the declaration that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger. The second is Sallah, performing five daily prayers that strengthen a Muslim’s connection and devotion to Allah. The third is Zakah, giving a portion of one’s wealth to the needy, promoting social equity. The fourth is Sawm, fasting during Ramadan to build self-discipline, power of restraint and spiritual awareness. The fifth pillar is Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, which is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. The Hajj’s designation as the fifth pillar of Islam is interesting; this chronological order is intentional and highly symbolic. Allah offers precise instructions in the Qur’an for those who wish to embark on this profound journey. “Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (Qur’an 3:97) “And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (God-consciousness). So, fear Me, O you of understanding (Qur’an 2:197).” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds us: “Allah is Pure and only accepts what is pure.” (Sahih Muslim). Both the verses of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) collectively instruct pilgrims, before, during, and after Hajj, to take essential provisions such as knowledge, fear of Allah, and inner purity. However, they emphasise that the best provision for the journey is Taqwa (God-consciousness), which should be wrapped in knowledge and sincerity. The guidance further urges those with understanding to cultivate a deep fear and reverence for Allah, as this is the true mark of a successful pilgrim. For many Nigerians, the Hajj has regrettably devolved into an annual ritual and a form of religious tourism that lacks introspection and self-purification. In an ill-informed and desperate attempt, Nigerians rush to “stone the devil” while still endorsing the devil’s schemes and antics. Professional politicians at different levels in Nigeria who embezzle public funds, unleash bad governance on the rest of us, and deny their constituents basic amenities line up to perform the Hajj with it. After hurting countless souls, businesspeople who take advantage of the masses by selling substandard goods, charging exorbitant prices, and dishonesty come to Makkah to “stone the devil.” In addition to lying to the public, abusing their power, and taking bribes to carry out their paid responsibilities, civil servants who are tasked with overseeing government institutions and structures also aspire to become Alhajis and Alhajas with obscene wealth. The half-educated Islamic scholars and the mischievous among the well-educated ones are culpable. These marabouts and alfas embolden civil servants and politicians to “stone the devil,” falsely assuring them that all their sins and atrocities will be forgiven. Who are they deceiving? The principles of repentance (Tawbah) regarding stolen wealth are clear in Islam: the entire stolen wealth must be returned. Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who divert patients from government hospitals to their private clinics to profit from them or who steal drugs meant for the poor are also part of the charlatans in the medical profession running to Makkah to “stone the devil,”. Unfortunately, a large number of these medical officers have made quick fortunes by associating with dishonest officials at government hospitals. In schools, exam administrators, teachers, and principals who enable malpractice and operate so-called “miracle centres” take unethical breaks, only to embark on Hajj as if the pilgrimage will cleanse their misconduct. Contractors who construct deadly roads and collapsing buildings using substandard materials also find time to perform the rites of Hajj, hoping that tawaf and the stoning of the devil will somehow absolve them of their greed and negligence. The list of such violations against the sanctity of Hajj is countless, reflecting a deeper crisis of hypocrisy and moral decay cloaked in religious rituals. Even drug traffickers of narcotics and human traffickers now don the sacred garments of Hajj, hoping to mask their crimes with pilgrimage while defiling its sanctity.
Pilgrims on arafat
Next are the merchants of death—the contractors who construct deadly roads and highways, build substandard airport runways, and erect public buildings with inferior materials. Yet, they still find time to answer the call of Hajj, perhaps hoping that tawaf and the stoning rites will somehow cleanse the corruption of their hands. The list of such abuses against the sanctity of Hajj is endless, exposing a dangerous trend of using sacred rituals to mask moral bankruptcy. This is not an attack on the ritual of Hajj—a pillar of Islam and a spiritual pinnacle for every true believer. The writer is himself a firm believer in Islam, in the purifying power of Hajj, and the boundless mercy of Allah. However, the record must be set straight. This is, rather, a wake-up call: Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life, and ‘Ibadah (worship). Hajj should not be demonised or reduced to a gathering of thieves and vultures! There can be no genuine spiritual cleansing without sincere repentance, no acceptance without purity, and no meaningful transformation without knowledge. Nigerian Muslims must revive the spirit of genuine submission to Allah to return to the core tenets of their faith, not just through external rites. The foundation of it is a profound comprehension of Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah, which influences every facet of a believer’s existence. It demands integrity in business, where profit is never sacrificed for honesty. It calls for justice in governance, where authority is used responsibly and fairly. It demands that morality be taught in schools, moulding students’ minds with virtue rather than vice. To ensure that every citizen is treated with dignity, it exhorts us to advance mercy and justice in public service. It pushes us to create families that are based on discipline, compassion, and faith. And when we do the Hajj, let it be with legal income, a cleansed heart, and a character that has been genuinely changed by Islam’s teachings—not just a trip to Makkah, but a return to righteousness. Until we live Islam before performing its rituals, our journeys to Makkah may remain nothing but costly charades. Let us not be deceived. You cannot stone the devil in Makkah while dining with him in Nigeria. We pray that Allah will give us the wisdom, sincerity, and Taqwa to be Muslims in thought, word, and deed, not just in name. To all sincere Nigerian pilgrims starting the holy Hajj journey, may Allah accept your journey and grant you Hajj Mabrur, a Hajj that is acknowledged, transformative, and rewarded with forgiveness and rejuvenation. I hope your prayers are heard, your hearts are cleansed, and you return with a stronger faith and a more moral lifestyle. AMEN. *Dr. Lukman Raimi, PhD, LL.M, MNIM is an entrepreneurship educator, legal researcher, and good governance advocate.
As you navigate the journey of life and marriage, it is essential to cultivate a sense of purpose and independence. The following precepts aim to elucidate strategies for skill acquisition, self-employment and personal valuation, which are pivotal for holistic development. Develop skills that make you useful to yourself and others and enhance practical competencies that not only serve your individual needs but also add value to your interpersonal interactions. Continuously engage in lifelong learning to continually argue your capabilities and stay abreast of evolving paradigms. Focus on becoming a woman of value whose presence is significant within any context and whose absence is marked. Position yourself as a builder, creator, and contributor within your home and spheres of influence. Reframe your role in relationships to be a source of resilience and support, rather than a burden in your relationships. Approach your ambitions with structured effort and authentic passion, allowing for a balanced trajectory of hustle and grace. Value your worth, take pride in your accomplishments, and harness your internal strength and capacity for self-employment. Trust yourself to make wise decisions, take control of your life, and celebrate your uniqueness and value. By embracing these principles, you’ll become a supportive wife, a strong partner, and a fulfilled individual. The era of liability is over. Your life will be a testament to the power of self-employment and determination.
As at today, May 22, over 720,000 Muslims from all over the world have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 pilgrimage. According to data released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the arrivals represent 49 percent of all that were issued visas, signaling a steady progression toward full attendance for this year’s hajj rites. The breakdown of entry points shows that 691,429 pilgrims arrived by land, making it the dominant mode of travel. Meanwhile, 22,794 pilgrims entered by air, and 2,821 arrived by sea. As at today, May 22, no fewer than 38,000 Muslims have arrived in the Holy land from Nigeria, in about 90 flights, for the pilgrimage. The operations are spearheaded by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The figures of the total number of Muslims in the Holy land reflect a well-coordinated effort by authorities to manage the annual influx of pilgrims through multiple entry channels. The Saudi Ministry has meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to ensuring ease and tranquility throughout the pilgrimage.
Nigeria’s Finance Minister and coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, has charged the new Board of Directors of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to embark on massive debt recoveries. At the Inauguration of the new Board of AMCON yesterday, May 21, the Minister emphasized the effort of the Bola Tinubu’s government to promote financial stability, enhance investor confidence and reposition Nigeria’s financial institutions for long-term growth and sustainability. He said that Nigerians look to AMCON not just as a recovery agency, but as a vehicle for transparency, accountability, and the efficient resolution of non-performing loans that continue to weigh down our banking system and public finances. “However, as we all know, the task of economic transformation is an ongoing journey. As our macroeconomic realities evolve, so too must the strategies we adopt to strengthen financial institutions, improve fiscal discipline, and unlock value from distressed assets. The role of AMCON is as critical today as it was at its inception—if not more so.” He emphasized some of the key priority areas for the immediate attention of the new board to include enhanced Asset Recovery: AMCON’s current portfolio of unrecovered debts remains a matter of national concern. The Board must work assiduously to strengthen the Corporation’s asset recovery strategy, including through legal enforcement, restructuring, and the sale of assets. “It is imperative that this new Board upholds the principles of good corporate governance, transparency in operations, and strict adherence to the rule of law. “The Board must ensure strategic collaboration with relevant MDAs, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Judiciary, and the National Assembly. A unified approach is essential to ensure that AMCON’s recovery mandate is not undermined. On Exit Strategy, Edun said: “While AMCON was created as a temporary intervention, its winding down must be approached with caution and strategy. The new Board is expected to begin articulating a credible and sustainable exit framework, in alignment with the government’s broader economic reform agenda.” He said that the reform agenda of President Tinubu’s administration is cantered on economic stability, job creation, and private sector-led growth. AMCON’s effective performance under your stewardship will contribute significantly to the achievement of these objectives. In his remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of AMCON, Gbenga Alade, thanked the Minister for supporting the operations of the Corporation. Alade assured that with the inauguration of the new board the recovery process would be enhanced. The new board is chaired by Dr. Bala Mohammed Bello. The Non-Executive Directors are Yusuf Tegina, Adeyemo Adeoye, Charles Odion Iyiore, Yahaya Ibrahim and Emily Chidinma Osuji.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given details of how he was going to spend the proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 statutory budget before the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on the FCT at the National Assembly. In separate presentations, the Minister said that a significant 72.30 per cent of the total proposed budget, amounting to N1,289,690,124,776, is earmarked for capital expenditure while the remaining 27.70 percent, totaling N494,133,583,616 will be for recurrent expenditure. A detailed overview of the capital budget estimates revealed key allocations of N80 billion for SUKUK loan projects, N25 billion for the Abuja Light Rail project, N15 billion for Abuja Greater Water Supply, and N250 billion from commercial loans to complete ongoing capital projects in the FCC and satellite towns. The remaining N919,690,124,776 was dedicated to the completion of ongoing capital projects and counterpart-funded initiatives aimed at boosting socio-economic activities across the capital territory. Further breakdown of the capital expenditure showed that N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA, N137 billion to the STDD, and N351.2 billion to other Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) for their capital expenditures and select new projects. Wike emphasized that the capital budget prioritizes the completion of critical ongoing infrastructure projects. These include the completion of roads B6 and B12, full scope development of Arterial Road N20, provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape, Wuye, and Maitama II Districts, extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX), and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road). Other vital projects are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, full scope development of Arterial Road N1, and provision of access roads to Bus Terminals. Yhe upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road, the construction of Pai-Gomani Road, and dualization of Kuje-Gwagwalada road are also included. On recurrent expenditure, N150,353,906,168 (8.43 percent of the total) was proposed for personnel costs, while overhead cost was allocated N343,779,448 (19.27 percent). Sectoral highlights of the budget proposal showed that infrastructural sector (Roads, Districts Development and Public Buildings) was allocated the sum of N383.5 billion, Transportation sector has a provision of the sum of N79.3 billion, education sector has a budgetary proposal of N181 billion while the health sector has a proposed sum of N54 billion in the year 2025. Other sector, such as environment, was allocated the sum of N22.9 billion while Water sector got the sum of N37.4 billion, agriculture got the sum of N8.3 billion, social development sector got the sum of N23.7 billion, legal services got N7.7 billion, land administration got N1.5 billion while Area Councils Services Secretariat was allocated the sum of N3.1 billion. The Minister outlined the 2025 revenue fiscal framework, comprising distributable revenue of N1,392,573,937,087 and non-distributable revenue of N391,249,771,305. Revenue sources include proceeds from the 1 per cent of the 52.68 percent statutory allocation of the Federal Government from the Federation Account, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and other sources as detailed in the Revenue Fiscal Framework. Wike reiterated the Administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects, many of which were initiated by previous administrations. He expressed his determination to see the projects to conclusion. The Minister acknowledged and commended the consistent support of the National Assembly to the FCT Administration, specifically praising the swift consideration of the 2025 statutory budget proposal. “It’s not been long that Mr. President sent this to you and expeditiously, you’ve done the first and second reading and now we are in Committee stage. “It has never happened. Since your inception, you have always given us that support. We have never suffered any delay in budget passage. We want to say that we will not take this for granted. We will continue to cooperate with you for the development of the FCT.” He drew the attention of the lawmakers to the upcoming inauguration of completed infrastructure projects in the city center and satellite towns, adding that the inaugurations are scheduled to take place over 19 days, commencing on June 10, 2025, to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office. The Minister used the occasion to extend an invitation to the lawmakers to attend the significant events. This came even as Chairmen of the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on the FCT, Aliyu Betara and Senator Ibrahim Bomai respectively commended the Minister over the 85 percent implementation of the 2024 statutory budget. They pledged the continued support of the National Assembly for the FCT Administration.
No fewer than 120 online newspaper publishers under the canopy of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have announced the public presentation of a book the Guild put together, titled: Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing, on Tuesday, June 17. It is scheduled for presentation at Abuja Continental Hotel, by 10.00am. A statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, said that the highly anticipated event would be a significant milestone in the literary and publishing landscape in Nigeria. Nweke quoted GOCOP President, Ms Maureen Chigbo, as having said that the event will feature a fundraiser for the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre that would be made up of a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others. Ms Chigbo said: “this landmark publication chronicled the transformative journey of Nigeria’s media landscape, highlighting the pivotal role of online publishing in shaping public discourse, enhancing transparency and fostering national development. “It is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian media practitioners in the digital age.” She said that the event will bring together distinguished personalities from government, media, private sector, academia and civil society to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in online publishing and its critical role in nation-building. GOCOP, which currently has 120 members was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in their jobs. Its membership is a constellation of editors and senior journalists, who, having distinguished themselves in their various stations in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing that is both the present and future of journalism globally.
…Ms Chigbo
The book, aside from tracing the historical trajectory of online journalism in Nigeria, is also a veritable contribution to enriching the discourse on civil liberties, press freedom and the role of the media in the sustenance of democracy.
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are acting as informants to, and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents. Governor Zulum, in an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central today, May 21, vowed to strengthen the state’s intelligence network to deal with saboteurs ruthlessly. “We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly. “Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicize insecurity,” he said. Governor Zulum said that while not all Boko Haram Fighters who surrendered have reformed fully, the overwhelming majority are contributing positively. “I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” Governor Zulum said The governor reaffirmed the need for Nigeria to embrace both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insurgency, noting that over 99% of repentant insurgents are no longer involved in terrorism. He stressed that military force alone would never bring about a total end to insurgency. “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place. “What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.” He acknowledged that not all 500,000-plus repentant fighters may stay reformed, but that the system is largely working. “Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush.” He criticised the lack of equipment for the military and accused insurgents of having a superior technological advantage. “The army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgency.” The governor, however, commended the roles by the Nigerian in supporting peace-building efforts. “I want to commend the Nigerian armed forces for the support that they have been rendering to our non-kinetic measures.” He called on President Bola Tinubu to pay attention to ground-level intelligence and professional advice from the military. “The forest guard shall be provided immediately. The President of Nigeria needs to listen to those who can differentiate their left from their right. “We should not politicize insecurity. The President needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the army.”
The Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, and other top heavyweight political gladiators were believed to have finally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. In the talks at an all-night meeting between Tuesday and Wednesday (today, May 21), which culminated into the adoption of ADC as a common political platform to face the current President, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to sources, were the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Rivers State who later became Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and former Governor of Osun State who also became Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. One of the sources hinted that the political grouping did not adopt the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to which some of its prominent members had earlier switched, including el-Rufai, because the rules of the adopted ADC are easy to achieve. “You know virtually all of these people are still in one party or the other. And this is less than two years before the 2027 general election. “So they are being careful so that no legal entanglement will stop those who are eventually going to fly the flag of the coalition. “All the parameters were considered before settling for ADC,” one of the sources reasoned. On what may become a source of crisis over the presidential candidate, one of the sources at the meeting said that the issue did not come up at the marathon meeting. On the issue regarding whether Abubakar, a former vice president, would step down for Obi, the source said that the stage at which the talks are currently is for the coalition to be solidified and that those who now have interest in seeking elective offices would go through some processes. The source revealed that the focus of the coalition goes beyond the struggle for power. “Whether Atiku or Peter Obi or el-Rufai, none of them is talking about who the president or vice president will be. “Their singular focus is to get the APC and Tinubu out of power. “When the time comes, they all will go through the process put in place by the ADC for the 2027 elections. “It is not by fiat. “What people are saying is far from the truth. “The truth is that no decision has been taken and no candidate can force himself on the coalition as presidential candidate. “So also has the talk about sharing political offices never come up at any of the meetings of the coalition. “It is the people out there doing their permutation alongside the individuals within the coalition. “The talks are ongoing.” Source: The Eagle online.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called for an aggressive move by all the anti-corruption agencies and stakeholders to effectively combat corruption and recover stolen assets within and beyond Africa. Dr. Aliyu, at a public dialogue today , May 20 themed: “An Assessment of Nigeria’s Asset Recovery Regime,” organised by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) in Abuj, stressed the importance of synergy among anti-corruption bodies. “There is a need for Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) to deepen synergies. At the regional level, we should also come together to ensure that we recover assets beyond the African region. “It is the collective decisions of stakeholders that will ensure that the continent’s assets—whether from Nigeria, Ghana, or The Gambia—are traced and recovered, regardless of where they are hidden.” The ICPC Chairman said that the Commission had made a lot of efforts in asset recovery, saying that it is actively aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. “One of the key pillars of this strategy is the recovery and effective management of proceeds of crime.” Dr. Aliyu stressed the importance of preventive measures in curbing corruption, encouraging stakeholders to adopt due diligence and prioritize prevention in their anti-corruption strategies. “We must pay attention to prevention, because no single agency can fight corruption alone. “If we are not working in synergy, we give those who engage in corruption the opportunity to continue operating and destabilizing our country and the continent.” Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the ICPC’s readiness to partner with other agencies as well as media organisations, to overcome challenges and enhance the fight against corruption. “We must strengthen our activities so that we can work together to identify proceeds of crime and manage them effectively in the national interest.” Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), Dr. Umar Yakubu, said that the programme is aimed at advancing the collective mission of promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in Nigeria. Dr. Yakubu said that asset recovery is not only a legal or financial issue, but one that directly impacts national development and the trust between government and citizens. “Illicitly acquired assets, whether stashed away in foreign lands or concealed within our borders, represent resources that could have been invested in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and social welfare. “Their recovery is therefore not just about reclaiming stolen wealth, but about reclaiming opportunities for a better future for all Nigerians.” Dr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach in reforming Nigeria’s asset recovery efforts. “Our aim is to collectively assess the current state of Nigeria’s asset recovery regime, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and collaboratively explore innovative and effective strategies for improvement. “We believe that a robust and efficient asset recovery regime is indispensable for deterring corruption, ensuring accountability for illicit enrichment, and fostering a culture of integrity in both the public and private sectors.” The event brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations and the media, united in their shared commitment to advancing the fight against corruption and strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery regime.
The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Faruq Faruq has dethroned Iliya Mantau, the Village Head of Mantau in Yarmaulu, Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State, for allegations of involvement in the kidnapping and rape of a woman in the community. The Emir effected the dethronement following complaints by residents of Yarmaulu, even as youth in the area staged protest. It was learnt that the protesting youths accused the dethroned village head, Iliya Mantau, and others of kidnapping Zulaihatu and her baby, and allegedly raped her after collecting N20 million ransom. The incident caused a public uproar, especially as the Emirate delayed taking action for almost a year despite that the matter was in court. While announcing the removal, the Emir of Daura reiterated that the the Emirate would not tolerate any form of abuse against the common people. He emphasised that the Emirate remains open to all citizens who wish to file complaints or report injustices. “If anyone feels wrong, even if it is my own child who is responsible, they should come forward and present their complaint to the Emirate. This is an Emirate of the people. “This Emirate has previously removed a traditional leader it had appointed, and even Sarki Abdurrahman once ordered the imprisonment of his own son over wrongdoing. That is why we will never condone the abuse of anyone. ” The Emir said that effective from yesterday, May 19, Iliya Mantau would cease to be the Village Head of Mantau and that a new representative will soon be appointed to ensure leadership based on justice and integrity. The Emir also warned the public against spreading unfounded rumours and encouraged them to continue abiding by the law and to channel their grievances through appropriate legal avenues. Source: Punch newspapers.
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No fewer than 120 online newspaper publishers under the canopy of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) have announced the public presentation of a book the Guild put together, titled: Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing, on Tuesday, June 17. It is scheduled for presentation at Abuja Continental Hotel, by 10.00am.
When Villains, Bandits, Charlatans Go To Makkah For Pilgrimage, By Lukman Raimi, PhD
Most of Nigerian Muslims are already in the Holy land of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage. They are all in the blessed lands of Makkah and Madinah, ready to fulfil this divine obligation at the Two Holy Mosques. Yet, behind the grandeur, garbs, and symbolism of Hajj, lies a disturbing contradiction in the country’s socio-economic and political landscape. Many ignorant people embark on Hajj without equipping themselves with the basic knowledge of Islam, including the essence of Hajj and the minimum expected manifestation of the fear of Allah (Taqwa).
Recently, villains, bandits and charlatans were seen donning sacred garb, both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Yahaya Zango, a wanted bandit linked to multiple kidnappings in northern Nigeria, was arrested at the Hajj camp in Abuja during screening. Similarly, Sani Galadi, connected to abductions in Kogi state and Abuja, was apprehended at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto while preparing for pilgrimage. These arrests expose a disturbing trend!
The purpose of this piece is to highlight how crucial it is for many Muslims to obtain a foundational education in Islam before hastily completing the Hajj.
The five pillars of Islam form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. The first is the Shahadah, the declaration that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His Messenger. The second is Sallah, performing five daily prayers that strengthen a Muslim’s connection and devotion to Allah. The third is Zakah, giving a portion of one’s wealth to the needy, promoting social equity. The fourth is Sawm, fasting during Ramadan to build self-discipline, power of restraint and spiritual awareness. The fifth pillar is Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, which is required once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
The Hajj’s designation as the fifth pillar of Islam is interesting; this chronological order is intentional and highly symbolic. Allah offers precise instructions in the Qur’an for those who wish to embark on this profound journey.
“Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (Qur’an 3:97)
“And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (God-consciousness). So, fear Me, O you of understanding (Qur’an 2:197).”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds us: “Allah is Pure and only accepts what is pure.” (Sahih Muslim).
Both the verses of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) collectively instruct pilgrims, before, during, and after Hajj, to take essential provisions such as knowledge, fear of Allah, and inner purity. However, they emphasise that the best provision for the journey is Taqwa (God-consciousness), which should be wrapped in knowledge and sincerity.
The guidance further urges those with understanding to cultivate a deep fear and reverence for Allah, as this is the true mark of a successful pilgrim.
For many Nigerians, the Hajj has regrettably devolved into an annual ritual and a form of religious tourism that lacks introspection and self-purification. In an ill-informed and desperate attempt, Nigerians rush to “stone the devil” while still endorsing the devil’s schemes and antics.
Professional politicians at different levels in Nigeria who embezzle public funds, unleash bad governance on the rest of us, and deny their constituents basic amenities line up to perform the Hajj with it.
After hurting countless souls, businesspeople who take advantage of the masses by selling substandard goods, charging exorbitant prices, and dishonesty come to Makkah to “stone the devil.”
In addition to lying to the public, abusing their power, and taking bribes to carry out their paid responsibilities, civil servants who are tasked with overseeing government institutions and structures also aspire to become Alhajis and Alhajas with obscene wealth.
The half-educated Islamic scholars and the mischievous among the well-educated ones are culpable. These marabouts and alfas embolden civil servants and politicians to “stone the devil,” falsely assuring them that all their sins and atrocities will be forgiven. Who are they deceiving? The principles of repentance (Tawbah) regarding stolen wealth are clear in Islam: the entire stolen wealth must be returned.
Physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who divert patients from government hospitals to their private clinics to profit from them or who steal drugs meant for the poor are also part of the charlatans in the medical profession running to Makkah to “stone the devil,”. Unfortunately, a large number of these medical officers have made quick fortunes by associating with dishonest officials at government hospitals.
In schools, exam administrators, teachers, and principals who enable malpractice and operate so-called “miracle centres” take unethical breaks, only to embark on Hajj as if the pilgrimage will cleanse their misconduct.
Contractors who construct deadly roads and collapsing buildings using substandard materials also find time to perform the rites of Hajj, hoping that tawaf and the stoning of the devil will somehow absolve them of their greed and negligence. The list of such violations against the sanctity of Hajj is countless, reflecting a deeper crisis of hypocrisy and moral decay cloaked in religious rituals.
Even drug traffickers of narcotics and human traffickers now don the sacred garments of Hajj, hoping to mask their crimes with pilgrimage while defiling its sanctity.
Next are the merchants of death—the contractors who construct deadly roads and highways, build substandard airport runways, and erect public buildings with inferior materials. Yet, they still find time to answer the call of Hajj, perhaps hoping that tawaf and the stoning rites will somehow cleanse the corruption of their hands. The list of such abuses against the sanctity of Hajj is endless, exposing a dangerous trend of using sacred rituals to mask moral bankruptcy.
This is not an attack on the ritual of Hajj—a pillar of Islam and a spiritual pinnacle for every true believer. The writer is himself a firm believer in Islam, in the purifying power of Hajj, and the boundless mercy of Allah. However, the record must be set straight. This is, rather, a wake-up call: Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life, and ‘Ibadah (worship). Hajj should not be demonised or reduced to a gathering of thieves and vultures! There can be no genuine spiritual cleansing without sincere repentance, no acceptance without purity, and no meaningful transformation without knowledge.
Nigerian Muslims must revive the spirit of genuine submission to Allah to return to the core tenets of their faith, not just through external rites. The foundation of it is a profound comprehension of Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah, which influences every facet of a believer’s existence. It demands integrity in business, where profit is never sacrificed for honesty. It calls for justice in governance, where authority is used responsibly and fairly. It demands that morality be taught in schools, moulding students’ minds with virtue rather than vice. To ensure that every citizen is treated with dignity, it exhorts us to advance mercy and justice in public service. It pushes us to create families that are based on discipline, compassion, and faith. And when we do the Hajj, let it be with legal income, a cleansed heart, and a character that has been genuinely changed by Islam’s teachings—not just a trip to Makkah, but a return to righteousness.
Until we live Islam before performing its rituals, our journeys to Makkah may remain nothing but costly charades. Let us not be deceived. You cannot stone the devil in Makkah while dining with him in Nigeria.
We pray that Allah will give us the wisdom, sincerity, and Taqwa to be Muslims in thought, word, and deed, not just in name. To all sincere Nigerian pilgrims starting the holy Hajj journey, may Allah accept your journey and grant you Hajj Mabrur, a Hajj that is acknowledged, transformative, and rewarded with forgiveness and rejuvenation. I hope your prayers are heard, your hearts are cleansed, and you return with a stronger faith and a more moral lifestyle. AMEN.
*Dr. Lukman Raimi, PhD, LL.M, MNIM is an entrepreneurship educator, legal researcher, and good governance advocate.