By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A Kaduna-based investigative journalist, Mr. Achadu I. U. Gabriel, was arrested and detained by the Kaduna State Police Command on September 26th over a news report. The real reason for his arrest and detention under Operation “Yaki,” a police facility located on Constitution Road, Kaduna, was, however, not clearly stated at the point of his arrest through an invitation.
The victim journalist explained that his arrest and detention were in connection with an investigative news report on the poor condition of the Mando Hajj camp in relation to the 2023 Hajj exercise. He published this report on September 24, 2023, in Daybreak Newspapers Online, based in Abuja.
Journalist Gabriel had reported with video evidence that the Mando Hajj camp was overcrowded, with a population of men and women found sleeping together under the same tent while awaiting airlifting during the 2023 Hajj exercise, describing it as un-Islamic.
After the publication, the reporter’s contact number, which he used to verify the information from the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Yusuf Yakubu, was supplied to the police arm of Operation Yaki, leading to the journalist’s invitation and detention.
He was arrested and detained on a flimsy allegation of intending to intimidate the Agency’s ES, a charge that could not be substantiated since the journalist and the ES did not speak directly but only communicated through text messages, clearly spelling out the point. He was, however, later granted bail.
He said that even though he was treated with dignity and had a VIP cell arranged for him while in police custody, he was traumatized, unnecessarily embarrassed, humiliated, dispossessed of his phones and other items, and asked to disclose his source, retract the story, and write a letter of apology to the Pilgrims Board.
The matter, he said, is receiving the attention of his legal adviser at the moment, especially concerning the illegal and unjust arrest and detention.
The publication read in parts:
“Kaduna Hajj Camp, a National Shame: Men and 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 require urgent attention.
Investigation reveals that the camp is lacking basic amenities such as clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and a proper waste management system.
Further investigation revealed that pilgrims are forced to live in an unhygienic environment that could pose significant health risks and challenges.
In addition, the tents and accommodations are in a dilapidated condition and overcrowded, leaving pilgrims without space or comfort during their stay.
Pilgrims, both male and female, have no choice but to sleep together on the same floor in the same room, which many describe as un-Islamic.
The lack of a conducive environment further worsens the already burdensome living conditions, as this dire situation not only compromises the safety and well-being of the pilgrims but also diminishes 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 affiliations instead of ensuring fair and equal opportunities for all intending pilgrims.
Under these circumstances, pilgrims who are farmers would farm and sell their products and pay for Hajj but only to discover that their slots have been replaced with those of higher bidders, a situation many describe as unacceptable and could distort the confidence of people in the Board.
Also of worry to many pilgrims is the medical screening exercise, which is supposed to be at the state-owned healthcare facilities, generating a huge amount of revenue for the State. It 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 a solution to address the issue.
“This practice needs to be addressed, 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 operation subsequently.
Contacted, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency Kaduna State, Yusuf Yakubu, explained that the investigation would be helping the Agency if its findings are true and reflect the reality on the ground.
“I don’t know whom I am speaking with, but as a journalist, if that’s what you are truly investigating and find it to be true, you can go ahead and do your job.
“You are helping us bring such issues out. The 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 a 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 citizens of this great state, we would like to seek 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 a 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.
