Pilgrimage Funded by Blood Money Is a Mockery of Hajj — Ex-Buhari Aide
Bashir Ahmed, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has strongly condemned the reported attempt by wanted terrorists to undertake the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage using proceeds from criminal activities. He described such actions as a desecration of one of Islam’s five sacred pillars.
His reaction comes in the wake of the arrest of two wanted bandits at separate Hajj camps in Abuja and Sokoto. The suspects were apprehended within 24 hours—between Sunday and Monday—while preparing to depart for Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
In a statement shared via his verified social media account, Ahmed expressed disbelief and outrage over the development, questioning the moral audacity of individuals who have inflicted suffering on innocent Nigerians now seeking spiritual redemption with what he termed “blood-soaked money.”
“I honestly don’t understand where these bandit terrorists find their audacity,” he wrote. “They kill, they kidnap innocent people, extort families for ransom, and now want to go to Hajj with the proceeds.”
“To do what exactly? Seek forgiveness with wealth soaked in blood and tears? It is a mockery of everything Hajj stands for.”
Ahmed’s remarks underscore growing public concern about the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage and the need for more stringent vetting of intending pilgrims.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported that the suspects were detained by security personnel while completing travel formalities, as authorities continue to intensify efforts to prevent fugitives and criminals from exploiting religious platforms.
