The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has warned politicians against using corrupt funds for religious pilgrimages.
He said stolen public money cannot become acceptable simply because it is used for Hajj or trips to Jerusalem.
The Sultan gave the warning on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during a NIREC meeting in Abuja.
The meeting was organised by the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council under the theme, “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the Sultan urged religious leaders to take a stronger stand against corruption.
He said religious activities should never be used to justify money obtained through dishonest means.
“You cannot steal money and send people to Jerusalem or Месса with c+rrupt funds and think God will accept your deeds.
“God is not c+rrupt, so you cannot use c+rrupt money for Hajj or anything else,” he said.
The Sultan also called for closer cooperation between religious leaders and anti-corruption agencies.
He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to carry out its duties without political interference.
The Sultan further said people involved in corruption should face the law, regardless of their status.
He also encouraged Christian and Muslim leaders to build stronger relationships across religious lines.
According to him, better understanding between both faiths remains important for peaceful coexistence.
The Sultan also addressed the role of religious leaders during election periods.
He urged clerics to avoid inflammatory statements that could increase tension among Nigerians.
Instead, he encouraged them to pray for national leaders and promote peace through their platforms.
The meeting also featured the unveiling of an anti-corruption interfaith manual for religious leaders.
The Sultan’s message focused on separating genuine religious service from the misuse of public resources.
He also stressed that religious identity should not protect anyone from accountability under the law.
