Kebbi Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Hajj Seat Scam, Recover Fake Pilgrimage Materials

By Abdullahi Tukur

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged Hajj seat fraud involving millions of naira, The Bureau Journal reports.

The suspects were identified as Aminu Hassan Zauro, Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro. Police authorities also named Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza as additional persons linked to the case, with some of them currently at large.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the arrests followed a complaint from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency after some intending pilgrims discovered that their names were missing from the agency’s official records.

How the Alleged Fraud Was Uncovered

Police investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, allegedly had no legitimate access to Hajj slots but collected ₦8.6 million from a victim under the pretext of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

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The suspect was also accused of obtaining an additional deposit of ₦690,000 from another victim using a similar promise.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly attempted to conceal the fraud by providing victims with unauthorised Hajj materials to make the transactions appear genuine.

Fake Hajj Materials Recovered

Items reportedly recovered during the investigation include:

• Branded Hajj bags
• Hijabs
• Wrappers
• Fake medical record cards

Police said the materials were presented to victims as proof that their pilgrimage arrangements had been processed.

Police Warn Intending Pilgrims

The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar M. Hadejia, urged intending pilgrims to conduct all Hajj-related transactions only through the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and its accredited officials.

He warned that fraudsters often exploit the desire of prospective pilgrims to secure Hajj seats, leading many people to lose substantial amounts of money every year.

“Intending pilgrims should deal only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or its accredited officials and guides to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes,” the commissioner advised.

Suspects to Face Prosecution

The police commissioner further directed that all individuals found culpable in the alleged fraud be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects still at large as investigations continue.

The Bureau Journal understands that the case remains under active investigation, with police working to determine the full extent of the alleged fraud.