The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has warned politicians and public office holders against using stolen or corruptly obtained public funds to sponsor religious pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem.
The Sultan gave the warning on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Abuja, while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) with the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
Abubakar stressed that money obtained through corruption does not become legitimate simply because it is spent on religious activities.
He urged politicians and public officials to uphold the distinction between genuine religious service and the misuse of public resources, particularly in funding pilgrimages.
The Sultan also appealed to Christian and Muslim leaders not to protect or defend individuals accused of corruption because of their political, religious, family or personal relationships.
According to him, religious leaders have a responsibility to promote accountability and ensure that their platforms are not used to shield wrongdoing.
He further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law-enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without discrimination, regardless of the status or connections of those involved.
Read also:
- Nigerians Accuse Sultan of Sokoto Of Tribal Bias Following Call For Justice Over Killing Of Fulani Leader
- Killing Of Benue MACBAN Chairman: Sultan Demands Thorough Probe, Calls For Justice
- “Islamising Nigeria agenda impossible” — Sultan of Sokoto rejects anti-christian allegations
The Sultan’s remarks highlighted concerns over the intersection of religion, public funds and accountability, especially where government resources are used to finance religious pilgrimages.
He urged Christian and Muslim leaders to deepen interfaith cooperation while promoting values that reject corruption, abuse of office and the misuse of public resources.
The Sultan maintained that religious devotion should not be used to legitimise corrupt wealth, stressing that public office must not become a channel for diverting resources meant for the people.
