By Onyeanya Ebere
The Kwara State Government has launched an investigation into a foreign currency scam that affected some pilgrims from the state during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, the board confirmed that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reimbursed the affected pilgrims with $500 each to cover their losses.
The board said the incident involved the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), disbursed to each pilgrim.
According to Abdulkadir, every pilgrim had received $500 in five $100 bills in the presence of officials of the Directorate of State Services (DSS), who confirmed the authenticity of the notes. Each recipient also signed for the funds after counting them.
Reacting to viral videos showing some pilgrims displaying one-dollar bills in place of the expected $100 notes, the board’s preliminary investigation suggests the scam likely occurred after the pilgrims arrived in Medina.
“Many of the affected individuals, mostly elderly and unfamiliar with foreign currency, had asked strangers for help in converting their dollars to Saudi Riyals.
These unscrupulous individuals took advantage of their vulnerability by swapping genuine $100 bills with $1 bills under the guise of assistance,” the statement said.
In response to the incident, Governor AbdulRazaq directed an immediate refund to the affected pilgrims.
“In response to this unfortunate development, His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has graciously approved a refund of $500 to each of the affected pilgrims to cushion the impact of the scam,” the board stated.
The statement also recalled the governor’s earlier visit to Kwara pilgrims in Mecca, during which he extended financial support to all pilgrims to aid their local expenses.
The board expressed appreciation for the governor’s timely and compassionate intervention, calling it a reflection of his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.
In the wake of similar scams affecting pilgrims from other states, the board also expressed support for the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposal to issue BTAs via preloaded debit cards rather than in cash.
“This initiative will enhance transparency, reduce the risk of theft or fraud, and ensure that all pilgrims, especially the elderly can manage their funds more securely,” the statement concluded.
