A Nigerian pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Zainab, returned $5,000 (approximately N7.93 million) she found at the Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque) in Mecca to its owner, a Russian pilgrim.
The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, when Hajiya Zainab discovered a lost wallet containing the money near the Kaaba and instead of keeping it, she immediately authorities, who helped track down the Russian pilgrim.
In a now viral-video, the Russian pilgrim was seen counting the money as he appreciated Hajiya Zainab for her gesture.
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An official of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), speaking in the video, applauded her action, describing it as a “testament to the good character of Nigerian pilgrims.”
“This act of honesty reflects the true teachings of Islam and the values we uphold as Nigerians. We are proud of Hajiya Zainab,” the official said.
This is not the first time a Nigerian pilgrim will be return lost money found during the Hajj.
In 2024, Abba Limawa, a 52-year-old Nigerian pilgrim from Dutse local government area of Jigawa State, was lauded for his exemplary honesty after returning a significant amount of money he found in Makkah.
Limawa recounted the incident, explaining that he discovered the money inside a waist bag while en route to pray at the Masjid Haram. Initially inclined to ignore the bag, he reconsidered his action, thinking it might belong to a fellow Nigerian, possibly an elderly person.
“I wanted to ignore the waist bag, but on a second thought, I felt it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some older folks,” Limawa said.
Another Nigerian pilgrim from Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Muhammad Na’Allah returned the sum of €1,750 (One thousand, seven hundred and fifty Euros) which he found at the Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
He returned the money to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for onward delivery to the owner.
