By our reporter
A Kaduna based investigative journalist Mr. Achadu I. U Gabriel, who also writes for Daybreak Nigeria Newspaper, was on 26th September arrested and detained by the Kaduna state police command over a news report.
The real reason for his arrest and detention under Operation “Yaki” Police facility, located at constitution road, Kaduna was however not clearly stated at the point of his arrest after he honored their invitation.
Speaking on the illegal detention the journalist explained that his arrest and detention was in connection with an investigative news report on poor condition of Mando hajj. camp in relation to the 2023 hajj exercise, he published September 24, 2023 in Daybreak Nigeria newspapers a media outfit based in Abuja.
Journalist Gabriel had reported with video evidence that the Mando hajj camp was overcrowded with population of men and women found sleeping together under the same tent while awaiting airlifting during 2023 hall exercise, describing it as unislamic.
The reporter’s contact number he used to verify the information from the Executive Secretary (ES)_ Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Yusuf Yakubu, was supplied to the police arm of Operation Yaki, that invited the journalist and detained him violating hisnfundamental human rights
He was arrested and detained on a flimsy allegation of intended to intimidate the Agency ES, a charge that could not be substantiated as the journalist and the ES did not speak directly, but only through text messages.
He was however later granted bail.
He said even though he was treated with dignity and VIP cell arranged for him while in police custody, he was however traumatized, unnecessarily embarrassed, humiliated, dispossessed of his phones, other items and asked to disclosed his source, retract the story and write letter of apology to the pilgrims board.
The matter, he said was receiving the attention of his legal adviser especially over the illegal and unjust arrest and detention.
See publication below;
The publication titled:
“Kaduna Hajj camp, a national shame, men, women sleep together in overcrowded hall – investigation
The Kaduna hajj camp located at Mando area of the state is currently in a deplorable state of disrepair with multiple disturbing issues that requires urgent attention.
Investigation reveals that the camp is lacking basic amenities such as clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and proper waste management system.
Further investigation revealed that Pilgrims are forced to live in unhygienic environment that could pose significant health risks and challenges.
In addition, the tents and accommodations are in dilapidated condition and overcrowded, leaving pilgrims without space or comfort during their stay.
Pilgrims, both male and female have no choice than to sleep together on the same floor in the same room, which many described as un-islamic.
The lack of conducive environment further worsen the already burdensome living conditions, as this dire situation not only compromises the safety and well-being of the pilgrims but also diminished the overall spiritual experience of the hajj.
Indeed, there have been claims made by many that the Agency, under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Yusuf Yakubu engaged in practices by favoring some individuals with personal connections or affiliation instead of ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all intending pilgrims.
Under this circumstances, Pilgrims who are farmers would farm and sell their products, and pay for hajj but only to discovered that their slots have been replaced with that of a higher bidder, a situation many described as unacceptable and could distort the confidence of people on the Board.
See link:
Kaduna Hajj camp, a national shame, men, women sleep together in overcrowded hall – investigation
Also of worry to many pilgrims is the medical screening exercise which is supposed to be at the state owned healthcare facilities which generate huge amount of revenue for the State and has been reportedly diverted to Kaduna Polytechnic clinic by the Executive Secretary, for reasons yet to be ascertained.
Additional information from the Chairman of a group under the aegis of Kaduna Transparency Initiative,
Comrade Lawal Yahaya, lamented the situation and called for solution to address the issue.
“This practice need to be address as there is no government that could succeed without revenue.
The chairman also lamented that a situation where pilgrims airlines were forced to land at Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano state, instead of Kaduna International Airport, was wrong and risky given the current security challenges in the country.
“It’s unfortunate as well as stressful for the pilgrims. We have great faith in the leadership of our government and her commitment to the welfare of her citizens.
“We believe that by promptly investigating these allegations, the government can nip potential problems in the bud and pave the way for a successful and transparent Hajj operations subsequently.
Contacted, the Executive Secretary (ES), Pilgrims Welfare Agency Kaduna State Yusuf Yakubu explained that the investigation would be helping the Agency if its findings are true and reflects the reality on ground
“I don’t know whom I am speaking with but as a journalist if that’s what you are truly investigating and finds to to be true you can go ahead and do your job.
“You are helping us bringing such issues out. problem may only come when we understand that a publication is made to dent our image based on lies and false allegations”, he stated.
The chairman of the Initiative, Comrade Lawal Yahaya also noted that, there is need for immediate action to tackle the problem, “We write with deep concern and a sense of urgency regarding the 2023 Hajj operation conducted by the Kaduna State Pilgrim and Welfare Agency.
“As concerned citizen of this great state, we would like to seek for your immediate action to investigate the alleged abuse of office by the Executive Secretary of the Agency during this exercise.
“It has come to our notice through multiple reports and discussions that the leadership of the Agency has been involved in number of activities that are not only inimical but also jeopardize the reputation and integrity of the Agency.
“This alleged abuse of office undermines the trust placed by people and raises serious doubts about the fairness and transparency of the entire Hajj operation, as enumerated earlier”, he said.
It would also be recalled that the Emir of Zazzau has complained of the operations of the hajj commission as also reported by our publication on September 25the with the titled
2023 Hajj Operation: A Total Failure, Say Zazzau Emir
*Say’s Kaduna pilgrims went thru hell
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
His Highness, the Emir of Zazzau Malam Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, has, in categorical terms, condemned this years 2023 Hajj operation, stressing that the whole exercise was a total failure.
Bamalli who was the Amirul Hajj from Kaduna during the exercise said the whole operation was in a shamble considering the predicament that pilgrims from Kaduna state went through while at the Holy land before they were evacuated back to Nigeria.
The Emir who spoke in Hausa in an interview with VOA Hausa service and monitored in Kaduna stated that there was numerous failure on the side of the authorities in charge of the exercise.
According to the Emir, he and his entourage also found it very difficult before they were evacuation to Nigeria.
He stressed that many Kaduna pilgrims were left stranded at the holy land before their evacuation back to Nigeria.
The Emir further stressed that the arrangement for the exercise right from Local Government, state and at the National level was a complete failure.
According to him, whoever claim that the exercise was a success is a bloody liar.
Nuhu therefore advise that the authorities in Nigeria who are saddled in the affairs of Hajj operation must wake up from their slumber in order to address the past abnormally that were experienced during this year concluded Hajj operation.
His words, “They must take adequate measures in order to avoid another problem in the forthcoming Hajj operation and they must put fear of God while discharging their responsibility of handling the operation”.
Recalled that some national dailies and online recently reported that Kaduna hajj camp Mando was a shame, and lacks the necessary basic amenities including clean water amongst others. See link:
