By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to a multi-million naira Hajj fraud involving fake pilgrimage slots and counterfeit Hajj materials.
Police spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi, revealing that the arrests followed complaints from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency after several intending pilgrims discovered their names were missing from the agency’s official records.
According to the statement, the prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, alongside Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro, allegedly defrauded victims by falsely promising to secure Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Investigations showed that Aminu Hassan Zauro allegedly collected ₦8.6 million from a victim for two fake Hajj slots, while also obtaining an initial deposit of ₦690,000 from another victim under similar pretences.
Police said the suspect attempted to cover up the scam by providing victims with fake Hajj materials, including branded bags, hijabs, wrappers, and counterfeit medical cards.
The Command further disclosed that all the fake items, alongside a Tecno Android phone, were recovered during the operation.
Meanwhile, four other suspects identified as Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza are currently on the run.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, warned intending pilgrims against dealing with unauthorized individuals, urging them to transact only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and accredited officials.
He assured that all those found culpable in the fraudulent Hajj transactions would be prosecuted accordingly.
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