Saudi Arabia Warns Nigerian Pilgrims: Hajj Without Valid Visa Attracts N8.15m Fine, Jail Term The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned that anyone caught performing the 2026 Hajj without a valid visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (≈N8.15m) and imprisonment. The warning was issued during a virtual meeting between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to review preparations. Saudi officials stressed strict compliance with deadlines, including: MoU signing: November 2025 Camp booking/service contracts: January 4, 2026 Transport & accommodation uploads: February 1, 2026 Final visa issuance: 1st of Shawwal They also mandated that all sacrificial rites (Hadaya) and bookings be completed via the Nusuk Masar platform. NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman pledged adherence to ensure smooth coordination for Nigerian pilgrims. #Hajj2026 #SaudiArabia #Nigeria

NDLEA Arrests Suspected Drug Kingpin, Five Others Over Kano Pilgrims’ Detention In Saudi Arabia The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug kingpin and five members of his syndicate accused of planting narcotics in the luggage of innocent pilgrims who flew out of Kano to Saudi Arabia earlier this month. The syndicate, led by 55-year-old Mohammed Abubakar alias Bello Karama, allegedly smuggled illicit substances onto Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940, which departed Kano on August 6 for Jeddah via Addis Ababa. Their actions reportedly led to the detention of three Nigerians in Saudi Arabia — including a 39-year-old mother of five, Maryam Hussaini, Mrs. Abdullahi Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddiq — all still being held on drug trafficking charges. According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, investigations showed the pilgrims checked in only one personal bag each, but members of the syndicate, working with Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) staff, illegally tagged six additional bags in their names, three of which contained drugs. Karama allegedly travelled separately on Egypt Air while accomplices checked in the narcotics. Other suspects named include Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Olalekan, Celestina Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, all of whom reportedly confessed, with payment trails traced to them. NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) is expected to meet with Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) during an upcoming international drug conference to push for the release of the innocent detainees. “The evidence clearly shows these Nigerians are victims of a criminal conspiracy, not traffickers. We will pursue this matter until justice is done,” Babafemi said. The case has reignited concerns over airport baggage security, with fresh measures promised at Kano airport. Families of the detained pilgrims have also urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic efforts. “She went to Saudi Arabia to worship God. Instead, she is in prison for a crime others committed. Now that the truth is out, Nigeria must bring her back,” said Maryam’s husband, Abdullahi Baffa. #NDLEA #DrugTrafficking #Kano #SaudiArabia

“Mark your calendars: Saudi Arabia declares June 6 as Sallah Day, celebrating faith and unity.” — According to Nigeria Stories Saudi Arabia declares June 6 as Sallah day. #SaudiArabia #SallahDay #June6 #Celebration