What is Hajj Fraud in Nigeria?


Definition of Hajj Fraud and Its Perpetration in Nigeria
From the Office of the Executive Director, HIRO (Humanitarian Initiative for Rights and Opportunity)

Definition of Hajj Fraud
 
Hajj fraud refers to deceptive practices targeting pilgrims undertaking the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, where criminals exploit victims financially or logistically under false pretenses. This includes selling fake travel packages, misrepresenting services, or outright theft of funds meant for Hajj arrangements. Victims often lose life savings, face substandard accommodations, or are stranded without valid visas or flights .  

How Hajj Fraud Is Perpetrated in Nigeria
 
1. Fake Travel Agencies:

 Unlicensed operators advertise discounted Hajj packages (up to 50% off) but vanish after collecting payments. Pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia to find no bookings or face deportation due to invalid visas .  

2. Government Commission Mismanagement: 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has faced allegations of embezzling intervention funds (e.g., N90bn in 2024), withholding agents’ deposits (N2.75bn), and failing to deliver promised services. Delays in fund transfers to Saudi accounts exacerbate the problem .  

3. Currency Exchange
 Scams: 

Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca defraud fellow citizens by swapping their dollars for counterfeit or lesser amounts (e.g., $500 exchanged for five $1 bills) under the guise of "assistance" .  

4. Collusion with Officials:

 Some perpetrators exploit weak oversight, using forged ATOL licenses or Saudi Embassy accreditations to appear legitimate. Victims pay via untraceable bank transfers to personal accounts .  

Key Perpetrators in Nigeria
 
- Rogue Travel Agents: CEOs like Mustapha Mohammed (MB Lugga Global Travels) charged with defrauding pilgrims of N144m for fake 2024 Ramadan Hajj packages .  

- NAHCON Officials:
 Allegations of syphoning subsidies and withholding refunds from legitimate operators .  

- Individual Pilgrims: Nigerians exploiting peers through currency scams in Mecca .  

HIRO’s Call to Action: 

We urge pilgrims to:  
- Verify travel agencies via ATOL, ABTA, and Saudi Embassy accreditation .  
- Report fraud to EFCC (Nigeria) or Action Fraud (UK) .  
- Demand transparency from NAHCON and stricter oversight of Hajj funds .  

Signed:
Executive Director, (HIRO) 
(Protecting Faith, Dignity, and Financial Rights in Pilgrimage)  

*Sources: Insight Security, The Punch, EFCC cases, and Council of British Hajjis.

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