2023 Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has said that all arrangements to transport 2023 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia must be completed latest by June 20.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, on Friday.

Mr Ubandawaki said that all states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to transport every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land not only in good time, but also in comfort and best welfare service.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The report is not only misleading, but mischievous and aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.”

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Mr Ubandawaki, however, admitted that there was a technical problem relating to visa processing.

“But it has been resolved at the moment, as visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Therefore, over 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be transported in the next 10 days.

“It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas are being processed for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between Thursday and Friday while the remainder will be processed by Saturday.

“Despite the hiccup, the commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before June 20.”

Mr Ubandawaki said the commission had resolved to transport all pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat, and synchronise the transportation with the available accommodation in the city.

“And not to overcrowd the place, the commission is cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.”

2023 Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

NAN

EFCC nabs 52 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 52 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun.

Its Spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the suspects are Olamilekan Ayuba, Ogundeyi Kayode, Abdulrahman Abiodun, Blessing Omokaro, Olasupo Ridwan, Adetola Salau, Adeola Ideraoluwa, Victor Osikwemeh, Taiwo Ayobami, Eleshin Ademola, Ayomipo Adelere, Shogbesan Quadri, Sanni Qudus.

“Others are: Olanite Oluwatosin, Olatunbosun Alameen, Aderemi Adekunle, Olawunmi Tosin, Ayobado Olatunde, Ariyo Taofik, Olugbade David, Olumayowa Adedayo, Aremu Alabi, Akintosoye Pelumi, Fatoye Akanbi and Adio Oyebanji.

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“Also arrested are: Adekoya Samuel, Adebayo Taiwo, Olawale Bayole, Emmanuel Benjamin, Omotosho Ayobami, Usman Boluwatife, Adewale Adeniyi, Obadina Olawunmi, Ashiru Abdullahi, Ahmed Mubarak, Idowu Kazeem, Olukoya Emmanuel, Yusuf Lukman.

“The suspect also include: Agesin Eniola, Tajudeen Mustapha, Falola Olalekan, Usman Funsh, Bolaji Usman, Ayiyon Naoh, Mohammed Adeoye, Babatunde Seun, Afela Mustapha, Yusuf Habeeb Olanrewaju, Alao Ayomide, Oyeleye Uman Abduljelil Raji, Adeniyi Abdulmojeeb,” he said.

He said that they were arrested during sting operations between June 7 and June 8, following intelligence received by the commission about the activities of some individuals involved in computer-related fraud in some areas of the state.

He said that items recovered from the suspects included mobile phones, laptop computers and cars.

Uwujaren said that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

EFCC nabs 52 suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun

Police storm ex-gov’s residence, impound ‘stolen’ vehicles

The Zamfara State government has ordered a raid on the residence of the immediate-past governor of the State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, and impounded some vehicles believed to belong to government.

Some Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were impounded on Friday during a raid of Matawalle’s residence in Gusau.

Recall that, speaking on a local radio station, incumbent Governor Dauda Lawal had said, “Former Governor Bello Matawalle had gone away with 17 vehicles from his office and those in the deputy governor’s office claiming that the vehicles are his personal belongings. In fact, not even office equipment were spared.”

According to a report, a total of four jeeps were seized.

Policemen were said to have stormed the former governor’s residence, which is not far from Government House in Gusau, the State capital.

LEADERSHIP reports that Governor Lawal had accused Matawalle of leaving with government vehicles and looting property including television and cookers from the State Government House and the State Liason Office in Abuja.

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Last Saturday, Lawal gave Matawalle an ultimatum of five days to return the vehicles allegedly taken away by officials of his administration.

Lawal, who gave the ultimatum via a statement issued by his spokesman, Sulaiman Idris, vowed to recover looted funds and properties of the state government.

“We have the facts and records available that expose Matawalle’s impropriety. Where is the lie? A contract was awarded by the former governor, for the purchase of vehicles to be distributed to dignitaries and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the cost of N1,149,800,000. The contract for the purchase of the vehicles was awarded to Hafkhad Properties and Facilities Management Nig. Ltd.

“The money was meant for the purchase of a Toyota Lexus VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser VIP Bullet Proof 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V6 2021 Model; Toyota Prado V4 2021 Model; Peugeot 2021 Model; Toyota Hilux 2021 Model; Toyota Land Cruiser Bullet Proof 2021; and Toyota Lexus 2021 Model.

“We have communicated officially to former Governor Bello Matawalle and his Deputy to return all the missing vehicles within five working days,” he stated.

When LEADERSHIP contacted the Zamfara State government on the latest development, spokesperson of Governor Lawal, Sulaiman Bala Idris, told our Correspondent that he was unaware that his principal gave the raid order, saying the Police was only doing its work.

Police storm ex-gov’s residence, impound ‘stolen’ vehicles