A Nigerian pilgrim from Yobe State, Ahamadu Ali, has reportedly been defrauded of his Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. According to a viral video shared online, Ali was approached by unidentified individuals who offered to convert his $500, along with that of his brother’s wife, into Saudi Riyals.
However, instead of receiving the equivalent of $1,000 in local currency, Ali was allegedly handed only $9 in $1 denominations, effectively losing nearly the entire sum meant to support him during the Hajj pilgrimage. The incident has sparked outrage among fellow pilgrims and raised concerns about safety and financial fraud during the holy season.
Independent Hajj Reporters, a faith-based CSO in the hajj and Umrah industry, had advised that States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to educate 2025 hajj intending pilgrims on currency denomination, like the value of US dollars and Saudi Riyals, to avoid innocent pilgrims falling in the hands in the hands of swindlers
Pilgrims are urged to exercise caution when exchanging money and to only use verified financial services. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the matter or confirm if investigations are underway.
