As major rites for the 2026 Hajj begins in Saudi Arabi, a pilgrim from Oyo State participating in the exercise, Aderemi Liadi Yusuf, has returned a misplaced sum of 1,200 US dollars, approximately ₦1.7 million, to its owner in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

The incident occurred on Monday when an elderly pilgrim reportedly misplaced the money in a toilet facility at Mina during the Hajj rites.

Yusuf, an indigene of Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, who discovered the money in a toilet promptly ensured that the money was safely returned to its rightful owner.

The gesture has however attracted commendation from fellow pilgrims and stakeholders, who described the act as a reflection of honesty, trustworthiness, and fear of Allah, virtues strongly encouraged during the spiritual pilgrimage.

The noted that the development further highlights the impact of religious teachings, moral guidance, and orientation programmes being provided to pilgrims before and during the Hajj exercise.

Hajj exercise began on Monday with pilgrims staying under tents in Mina, in preparation for Arafah day on Tuesday.

Arafah is the peak of Hank rite without which a pilgrim has not successfully perform hajj.