By Abdullahi Tukur
The Kebbi State Police Command, has arrested four suspects in connection with a Hajj seat scam.
In a statement by the Command’s Public Relations SP Bashir Usman said, the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, alongside three others Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro, were arrested with one Bello Jos, while Atiku store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza are at large following a complaint received from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency regarding some intending pilgrims whose names were not found in the Agency’s official records.
The statement stated that, investigation led to the arrest of Aminu Hassan Zauro, who had no legitimate access to Hajj slots but fraudulently collected the sum of ₦8,600,000 from a victim under the false promise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
It’s said that the suspect also obtained an initial deposit of ₦690,000 from another victim under similar false pretences. In an attempt to conceal the fraud, the suspect procured and presented unauthorised branded Hajj materials, including a Hajj bag, hijabs, wrappers, and fake medical record cards to the victims.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, has cautioned intending pilgrims to deal only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or its accredited officials and guides, noting that many people fall victim to such fraudulent schemes annually.
He further directed that all persons found culpable in connection with the fraudulent Hajj transactions be prosecuted accordingly.
