Over 70 intending pilgrims demand D50M refund after missing 2026 Hajj
The victims raised concerns about Mr. Bajo’s unwillingness to refund their money after the failed trip to Mecca. “This unfortunate situation has caused significant emotional distress, spiritual disappointment, financial hardship, and immense suffering for the affected pilgrims and their families. Many victims invested their life savings and made considerable sacrifices in anticipation of fulfilling one of the most important religious obligations of their lives,” Mr. Adama Camara, spokesperson for the prospective pilgrims, told journalists. The victims called on the relevant authorities to urgently intervene and assist in securing the recovery of their funds and ensuring that justice is served. “We respectfully seek the support and intervention of: The Office of the President, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, The Gambia Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Interior, Law enforcement and investigative agencies, National Assembly Members, Civil society organisations, Religious leaders and all other relevant authorities and stakeholders,” Camara said. Mr. Camara said when the news first broke that these victims were denied a visa and that they were not going to perform Hajj, some collapsed and were admitted to the hospital. Camara continues: “Kanimang was receiving money from some of these victims even three days before informing them that the visas were cancelled.” Meanwhile, Mr. Famara Darboe, also a victim, informed journalists that he personally handed over D600, 000 to Kanimang Bajo in cash. “I personally made the payment to Kanimang Bajo on the 26th of February 2026. I paid in cash not a cheque and I paid D600,000 in cash. The receipt is right here with me. After making the payment, I was taken for a medical checkup. I understand that other companies paid for medical checkups, but Kanimang asked us to pay and we will be refunded but we were never refunded,” he said. Mr. Marong said his son came to the country from the Diaspora and is still in the country because of this. He said his son came to celebrate his return from Mecca and renovated his house because of the celebration. “I told Kanimang that if we died, he would be responsible for and should know that he is the one who killed us. To be honest, he killed us,” he said. The victims also appeal to the media and the general public to stand in solidarity with them in their pursuit of justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens from similar experiences.
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The victims raised concerns about Mr. Bajo’s unwillingness to refund their money after the failed trip to Mecca.
“This unfortunate situation has caused significant emotional distress, spiritual disappointment, financial hardship, and immense suffering for the affected pilgrims and their families. Many victims invested their life savings and made considerable sacrifices in anticipation of fulfilling one of the most important religious obligations of their lives,” Mr. Adama Camara, spokesperson for the prospective pilgrims, told journalists.
The victims called on the relevant authorities to urgently intervene and assist in securing the recovery of their funds and ensuring that justice is served.
“We respectfully seek the support and intervention of: The Office of the President, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, The Gambia Hajj Commission, the Ministry of Interior, Law enforcement and investigative agencies, National Assembly Members, Civil society organisations, Religious leaders and all other relevant authorities and stakeholders,” Camara said.
Mr. Camara said when the news first broke that these victims were denied a visa and that they were not going to perform Hajj, some collapsed and were admitted to the hospital.
Camara continues: “Kanimang was receiving money from some of these victims even three days before informing them that the visas were cancelled.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Famara Darboe, also a victim, informed journalists that he personally handed over D600, 000 to Kanimang Bajo in cash.
“I personally made the payment to Kanimang Bajo on the 26th of February 2026. I paid in cash not a cheque and I paid D600,000 in cash. The receipt is right here with me. After making the payment, I was taken for a medical checkup. I understand that other companies paid for medical checkups, but Kanimang asked us to pay and we will be refunded but we were never refunded,” he said.
Mr. Marong said his son came to the country from the Diaspora and is still in the country because of this. He said his son came to celebrate his return from Mecca and renovated his house because of the celebration.
“I told Kanimang that if we died, he would be responsible for and should know that he is the one who killed us. To be honest, he killed us,” he said.
The victims also appeal to the media and the general public to stand in solidarity with them in their pursuit of justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens from similar experiences.
