The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that Lagos pilgrims who took part in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia are set to begin their journey back to Nigeria next week. This update was shared on Saturday by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, on behalf of the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, following reports from Makkah by Board Secretary AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Airlift Schedule: Plans are finalized to transport approximately 1,600 pilgrims according to the schedule set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

• Departure Dates: The initial group is slated to leave Saudi Arabia on June 8, 2026. Following this, additional flights are planned for June 10, 11, and 12, with the final group returning on June 13, provided there are no unexpected delays.

• Baggage Guidelines: Commissioner Layode emphasized the importance of following luggage rules to ensure a smooth departure. Each pilgrim is allowed two checked bags of 23kg each and one hand luggage piece up to 8kg. Pilgrims were explicitly warned against packing water or other restricted items.

• Call for Cooperation: The Commissioner urged all pilgrims to exercise patience and collaborate with officials throughout the return phase, reassuring them that everything is being managed to ensure a successful airlift.

• Commendations: Reflecting on the overall success of the Hajj exercise, Layode expressed his gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for their essential support. He also recognized the efforts of the Special Adviser on Islamic Matters and 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, alongside the committee members, board staff, and the various Hajj guides and scholars who worked to ensure a seamless experience.

The Nigerian Army has reportedly apprehended a TikTok celebrity known as “Sule Yellow,” who is suspected of being a bandit. According to reports, the suspect was intercepted by troops while he was returning to his forest hideout after allegedly collecting ransom payments from the family of a kidnapped victim.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Friday, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Joe Igbokwe narrowly avoided a physical confrontation at the well-known Ladipo Market in Lagos. Igbokwe shared his account of the event via a video posted to his official Facebook page on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Igbokwe, he had visited the market to purchase spare parts for his vehicle when he was recognized by a group of youths who began to mobilize against him. He described the situation as follows:

• He initially attempted to ignore the crowd after people began calling his name and pointing at him.

• As the group grew larger and more aggressive, shouting that he should not be in the market, he retreated to a friend’s shop for safety.

• The leadership of the market was summoned to intervene, and they eventually helped him leave the area safely.

• Igbokwe clarified that although he heard reports online claiming he had been beaten, he was not physically harmed during the encounter.

Igbokwe concluded by stating that he remained silent during the commotion and simply drove away once the situation was managed.