Islamic Scholar urges Hajj Pilgrims to Shun Illicit Drugs

By JABIRU A HASSAN, Kano.

An Islamic scholar in Kano Sheikh Abdullahi Bin Umar has called on this years intending pilgrims in the country to desist from illicit drugs trafficking and other transactions within Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He made the warning during an interview with Hajj Reporters in Kano, adding that drugs trafficking by intending pilgrims is a capital offence that attracts the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Abdullahi stressed that Nigeria is now advancing in the area of Hajj operations for many years, therefore it is important for the pilgrims to be good ambassadors right from the domestic airports to the holy land.

He then commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, the States pilgrims welfare boards, the Independent Hajj Reporters as well as other hajj stakeholders that contribute in one way or the other in the successful implementation of Hajj operation programmes.

In conclusion, the scholar prayed that this year’s Hajj operations would be successful and assured that Nigeria will continue to be one of the best countries that will maintain it’s status in yearly Hajj operations.