Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Hajj Fraud
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged Hajj fraud involving intending pilgrims in the state ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage exercise.
The command’s spokesperson, Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that the arrests followed complaints received from victims as well as the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly defrauded several intending pilgrims by promising to secure Hajj slots for them and subsequently issuing fake Hajj materials, including counterfeit Hajj bags and forged medical records.
Investigations reportedly began after some intending pilgrims discovered that their names were missing from the official list of approved pilgrims despite already being in possession of Hajj documents and materials. Further checks later revealed that the materials had been fraudulently obtained.
Police identified the prime suspect as Aminu Hassan Zauro, who was arrested alongside Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, Mustapha Sani Zauro and Bello Jos. The suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue.
According to SP Bashir, the prime suspect allegedly collected about ₦8.6 million from victims under the pretext of securing two Hajj seats for them. He added that preliminary investigations showed that Aminu Hassan Zauro had no official affiliation with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
The police further alleged that the suspects collaborated to deceive unsuspecting pilgrims by producing and distributing fake Hajj materials to give credibility to their claims.
The command stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the fraud who are currently at large.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, has advised members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals claiming to facilitate Hajj arrangements. He urged intending pilgrims to conduct all transactions only through the Pilgrims Welfare Agency or approved agents.
The police commissioner also assured residents that all those found culpable in the fraud would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.