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Saudi Arabia arrests 7 Nigerian pilgrims over NUSUK hajj pilgrim cards
Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested seven Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for not possessing NUSUK identity cards during this year’s holy pilgrimage.
The pilgrims, from two Nigerian states, were detained on June 5 and 6 outside their hotels due to the absence of the NUSUK ID cards, also known as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, lacking Hajj permits, or aiding those without them, incurs penalties including a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from the country.
The names of the arrested pilgrims have not been disclosed, and it is unclear if Nigeria’s hajj commission has intervened.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reiterated its appeal for pilgrims to collect and use their NUSUK ID cards during Hajj. In a circular to state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, commissions, and licensed Hajj tour operators, NAHCON confirmed the arrest of the seven pilgrims and warned that enforcement would intensify with the approaching month of Dhul Hijjah.
NAHCON instructed all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operator companies to increase awareness among pilgrims about the mandatory NUSUK ID cards. It emphasized the necessity for pilgrims to collect their cards from Mutawwif officials upon arrival in Makkah and to carry them at all times for identification and access during Hajj.
The commission advised pilgrims with smartphones to download the Nusuk app to access digital copies of their ID cards using their passport and visa numbers.
NAHCON also reminded that penalties for not having Hajj permits include a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. It urged all SMPWB’s and tour operators to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines to avoid inconvenience or disruption in the pilgrims’ spiritual journey.
A few days prior, NAHCON had advised pilgrims to use NUSUK cards to avoid arrest by Saudi authorities. Chairman Jalal Arabi, through a statement by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, addressed concerns about pilgrims being arrested or denied access to Masjidul Haram for not having their NUSUK ID cards.
NAHCON had previously emphasized the importance of the NUSUK card in meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators. The card is essential for identification and access during the hajj exercise, supported by a fatwa from Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body making it mandatory for every pilgrim.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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