Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged Hajj seat scam involving millions of naira.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital.
According to the statement, the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, alongside three others — Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru and Mustapha Sani Zauro — were arrested following a complaint from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency concerning intending pilgrims whose names were not found in the agency’s official records.
The police spokesperson said other suspects identified as Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza are currently at large.
Investigation by the police reportedly revealed that Aminu Hassan Zauro had no legitimate access to Hajj slots but allegedly fraudulently collected ₦8.6 million from a victim under the false promise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The suspect was also accused of obtaining an initial deposit of ₦690,000 from another victim under similar false pretences.
According to the statement, the suspect attempted to conceal the alleged fraud by procuring and presenting unauthorized branded Hajj materials, including a Hajj bag, hijabs, wrappers and fake medical record cards to the victims.
Police said all the items have been recovered alongside one Techno Android phone.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Hadejia, cautioned intending pilgrims to deal only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or its accredited officials when processing Hajj arrangements.
He further directed that all persons found culpable in connection with the fraudulent Hajj transactions would be prosecuted accordingly.