I have sponsored over 5,000 Muslims to Mecca — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended his comments on Islam, revealing that he sponsored 5,800 Muslims to Mecca and over 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.

According to Daily Trust, Akpabio made the clarification during Thursday’s Senate plenary following criticism of his remarks during deliberations on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026.

He had suggested that some young people contemplated suicide because “they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife.”

Responding to the controversy, Akpabio insisted his statements were misinterpreted.

“I love the Muslim religion. I send people to Mecca to pray for me and to pray for this country, and I do that even up to yesterday, and I have been doing that since the last 25 years,” he said.

Akpabio maintained that his longstanding relationships with Muslims demonstrated his respect for Islam.

“Terrorists are not Muslims. Terrorists are not Christians. Terrorists are human beings who believe in taking their lives and the lives of others,” he added.