From Kano State in Nigeria, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that seven intending female pilgrims to the 2013 hajj have been banned by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Nuhu Badamasi, the affected pilgrims were discovered to be pregnant during screening exercise of prospective female pilgrims from the state. As a result of this discovery, the affected pilgrims would not be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

This measure was part of the decisions of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to prevent pregnant female pilgrims from travelling to the Holy land.

 "The measure is aimed at safeguarding the health of female pilgrims in view of the rigorous nature associated with hajj rites. Hajj is a rigorous exercise which pregnant women and other persons with ill-health cannot withstand.” He concluded.