Nigerian Scholar Ali-Agan Exposes Currency Scam Among Nigerian Pilgrims

Prof. Imam Abubakr Ali-Agan, an Islamic scholar and lecturer at the University of Ilorin, has exposed a disturbing scam targeting Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage, Prof. Ali-Agan revealed that some Nigerians are exploiting fellow pilgrims by tricking them during currency exchange.

In a viral video, the professor explained that although the Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey, a few individuals are taking advantage of the pilgrims’ trust and financial vulnerability.

“The Nigerian government provides each pilgrim with funds to support their stay here,” Prof. Ali-Agan said. “But unfortunately, some Nigerians have turned this sacred experience into an opportunity for deceit. They come prepared with numerous $1 bills and use them to cheat others.”

He shared the story of an elderly pilgrim from Yobe State who was recently defrauded. The pilgrim gave $500 to a fellow Nigerian who promised to convert it into Saudi Riyals. Instead, the man returned with just five $1 bills—leaving the pilgrim short of $495. The victim only realized he had been scammed when he went to an official money exchange center.

Prof. Ali-Agan condemned this behavior as not only criminal but also deeply shameful and sinful, warning that it damages Nigeria’s reputation abroad.

“This kind of fraud in the holy land is disgraceful,” he stressed. “Pilgrims must be cautious. The Nigerian government has official representatives to help with currency exchange, so never hand your money to strangers.”

He urged all pilgrims to stay alert and warned that such scams could lead to both spiritual harm and diplomatic embarrassment.

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