By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has warned intending pilgrims against falling victim to fraudsters following the closure of Hajj visa issuance for the 2026 pilgrimage by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The caution was contained in a press statement issued by the leadership of the Board and signed by its Executive Secretary.
In the statement, the Chairman of the Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, urged residents to avoid desperation, noting that fraudulent agents are already exploiting the situation.
He said, "People should not be in a hurry to fall into the hands of fraudsters. Patience is one of the key lessons of Hajj, and we must apply it at this time,”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, disclosed that some intending pilgrims have begun requesting refunds due to confusion created by unauthorized agents.
He said, "Some pilgrims are coming for their refunds because there are people who promised to still run it for them despite the closure. This is not true, and it is dangerous,”
Muhammadkabir reiterated that all legitimate Hajj processes are conducted strictly through approved channels and the official Nusuk platform, warning that anyone claiming to secure visas outside these frameworks is engaging in fraud.
NAHCON, in a public notice, stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia concluded the issuance of Hajj visas on 1st Shawwal 1447 AH (March 20, 2026), stressing that no alternative visa category, whether tourist, Umrah, or work, can be used to perform Hajj.
The Commission further warned that strict penalties await anyone attempting to perform Hajj without valid authorization, including imprisonment, heavy fines, and possible deportation with a long-term ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia.
It urged the public to rely only on verified information from official bodies and to report any suspicious individuals or agencies to relevant authorities.
