BAUCHI, Nigeria – Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam, a permanent secretary in the Bauchi State Government serving as Chairman of the Information and Publicity Committee for the 2026 Hajj Operation, died at Al-Noor Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Okay News reports that the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announced the death on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Alhaji Sabiu Barau Ningi, Permanent Secretary in the office of the Bauchi Deputy Governor and a state coordinator for the Hajj, confirmed the passing. Ningi said Jalam first complained of feeling unwell after arriving from Madina, where he was treated at a local clinic and discharged.
Jalam was moved to the intensive care unit in Makkah when his condition worsened.
“Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Jalam passed away yesterday night at 2:00 AM Saudi time, which is 12:00 AM Nigerian time, at Al-Noor Hospital, Makkah,” Ningi said.
Ningi noted the likely cause of death was a heart-related complication, adding that Jalam had been managing high blood pressure. Ningi said Jalam arrived early to assign rooms for the delegation.
“He followed the advance team even before the arrival of Bauchi pilgrims in Mecca. They worked tirelessly until the arrival of the last batch of pilgrims,” Ningi said.
“By the grace of God, all rooms were allocated successfully. He was among those leading the accommodation exercise and remained committed to the service of pilgrims until his final moments,” Ningi said.
Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, Executive Secretary of the welfare board, informed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria of the death. Funeral arrangements are being made to hold services at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
