By Uzair Adam
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged Hajj seat fraud involving more than N9 million.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Nafiu Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, identifying the main suspect as Aminu Hassan Zauro.
Others arrested alongside him are Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru and Mustapha Sani Zauro.
According to the police, four additional suspects — Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza — are currently on the run.
Abubakar explained that the arrests followed a complaint filed by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency after discrepancies were discovered in the records of some intending pilgrims.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Aminu Hassan Zauro allegedly obtained N8.6 million from a victim with a false promise of securing two Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage despite lacking any authorised access to Hajj slots.
The suspect was also accused of collecting another N690,000 from a different victim under the same pretence.
Police further stated that the suspect allegedly attempted to conceal the fraud by issuing victims unauthorised Hajj materials, including branded bags, hijabs, wrappers and fake medical cards.
Items recovered during the investigation include the materials and a Tecno Android phone.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bello Sani, urged intending pilgrims to transact only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and accredited officials to avoid being defrauded.
