4 arrested over N8.6m Hajj seat scam in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged N8.6 million Hajj seat scam.

The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, said in a statement on Tuesday that the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, was arrested alongside Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru and Mustapha Sani Zauro.

He said four other suspects identified as Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza were still at large.

Abubakar said the arrests followed a complaint by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency after it discovered that the names of some intending pilgrims were missing from its official records.

Investigations revealed that Aminu Hassan Zauro allegedly collected N8.6 million from a victim under the false promise of securing two Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage despite having no legitimate access to Hajj slots.

The suspect was also said to have obtained an additional N690,000 from another victim using the same pretence.

Police said the suspect attempted to cover up the fraud by providing victims with unauthorised Hajj materials, including branded bags, hijabs, wrappers and fake medical cards.

The items, along with a Tecno Android phone, were recovered during the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, advised intending pilgrims to deal only with the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency and accredited officials to avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)