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Nigerian pilgrims begin movement from Madinah to Makkah for Hajj 2026
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah have started their journey to Makkah for Hajj 2026, following a four-day stay in Madinah. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON reported that 9,756 pilgrims have been transported to Saudi Arabia by the four official airlines: Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace, and Flynas. NAHCON advises pilgrims wishing to visit the Rawdah Prophet Mohammed鈥檚 burial chamber to coordinate with their State Pilgrims Boards. Access to the Rawdah is subject to availability and approved bookings due to congestion. Pilgrims are reminded that while visiting the Rawdah is a blessed opportunity, it is not a requirement for the validity of Hajj rites.
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Supporters of human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore have accused operatives of the Department of State Services DSS of forcefully arresting and injuring him within the court premises. This incident occurred shortly after Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore to be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his application to stay an earlier order revoking his bail. The judge also dismissed Sowore's application for recusal due to alleged bias and adjourned the matter until June 24. A live video on Sowore's Facebook page reportedly showed a DSS operative grabbing and dragging him, while others prevented his loyalists from intervening. His supporters then blocked the Federal High Court Complex gates, insisting that the court's order was for remand in a correctional facility, not DSS or police custody. Agena Roberts Ande, the FCT Chairman of the African Action Congress, condemned the DSS's actions, stating they must obey the law. Sowore, who is being prosecuted by the DSS for alleged criminal defamation after reportedly describing President Bola Tinubu as "a criminal," had previously stated he was not surprised by the remand order and would be stronger upon his release.
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