Intending pilgrims from Kwara State have been warned against taking illicit drugs to the holy land.

Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board, Imam Uthman Olosun, told the intending pilgrims that death penalty awaits anyone caught for drug peddling.

He spoke at the enlightenment programme organised by the board where various agencies including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others were invited to sensitize the intending pilgrims.

The chairman specifically warned pilgrims against going to Hajj with Tramadol tablets, saying the drug has been banned by the Saudi authorities.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary of the board, Hajia Fatimah Abolore Jimoh, said the intending pilgrims are expected to travel in five batches as soon as the inaugural flight takes off on September 6.

She said the issue of Muharram (male companion) for female pilgrims has been taken care of.

"Pilgrims should make the fear of Allah the foremost luggage. Going for Hajj is not like any other trip; it is a trip of a life time. We should conduct ourselves as Muslims and as well brought up Nigerians. We should represent our state well and pray for our government while in the holy land", she said.