Integrity in Action: Kano CPS Refunds SR6,000 Mistaken Hajj Payment

By Abdulkarim Ibrahim
A rare act of honesty has emerged from this year’s Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia as the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Malam Mustapha Muhammad, returned an excess payment of SR6,000 (about N2.4 million) mistakenly allocated to him during the disbursement of allowances to media personnel.
The overpayment, according to reports, resulted from an administrative error during the distribution of allowances to members of the media team covering Kano pilgrims in the Holy Land.
However, upon discovering the discrepancy, Mustapha Muhammad promptly refunded the amount, paving the way for correction of records and payment of other beneficiaries yet to receive their entitlements.
Mustapha, who led the Kano media delegation for the 2026 Hajj coverage in Saudi Arabia, said returning the money was necessary to ensure fairness and prevent delays in settling outstanding payments to colleagues.
His action has since attracted commendation from journalists, officials and observers involved in the Hajj exercise, many of whom described him as a shining example of integrity, accountability and responsible public service.
Receiving the refunded amount, the Emir of Gaya and Kano State Amirul Hajj, Dr. Aliyu Ibrahim Abdulkadir, praised the gesture as a strong demonstration of honesty, fairness and public responsibility.
“At a time when public officials are constantly being reminded of the need for accountability, such conduct reinforces confidence that integrity still exists in public service,” he said.
The Amirul Hajj added that the refund not only strengthened Mustapha Muhammad’s reputation for honesty but also ensured that affected media team members received their rightful entitlements without unnecessary delay