The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four persons in connection with an alleged Hajj seat scam involving millions of naira and the distribution of fake pilgrimage materials to unsuspecting victims.
The suspects, identified as Aminu Hassan Zauro, Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro, were apprehended following an investigation into complaints of fraudulent Hajj arrangements. Meanwhile, four other suspects — Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza — are reportedly on the run.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Bashir Usman, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, explaining that the arrests followed a complaint lodged by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency after some intending pilgrims discovered that their names were absent from the agency’s official list.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, allegedly collected millions of naira from victims despite lacking legitimate access to Hajj slots.
The statement read, “Investigation led to the arrest of Aminu Hassan Zauro, who had no lawful access to Hajj seats but deceitfully obtained the sum of ₦8.6 million from a victim under the guise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.”
Police further alleged that the suspect received an additional ₦690,000 deposit from another victim using similar promises.
In an attempt to make the arrangement appear genuine, the suspect allegedly provided unauthorised Hajj materials, including branded bags, hijabs, wrappers, and fake medical cards to victims.
“To conceal the fraud, the suspect procured and distributed unauthorised Hajj items, including a Hajj bag, hijabs, wrappers, and counterfeit medical record cards,” the statement added.
The police said operatives recovered the fake materials during the operation, alongside a Techno Android mobile phone believed to be connected to the alleged crime.
Reacting to the incident, the Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, warned intending pilgrims against dealing with unauthorised individuals for Hajj arrangements, urging them to transact only through approved officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
He cautioned, “Intending pilgrims should deal only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or accredited officials and guides, as many people fall victim to fraudulent schemes every year.”
The Commissioner also directed that any suspect found culpable in the alleged scam should face prosecution in accordance with the law.
