The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged Hajj fraud scheme targeting intending pilgrims in the state.
Police authorities said the suspects were arrested following complaints from victims and reports filed by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, the suspects allegedly collected money from unsuspecting pilgrims and issued fake Hajj materials, including counterfeit Hajj bags and fraudulent medical records.
The fraud reportedly came to light after some intending pilgrims discovered that their names were missing from the official list of approved pilgrims despite already receiving Hajj items and travel-related documents.
Investigations later revealed that the materials had been illegally produced and distributed to deceive the victims.
The prime suspect, identified as Aminu Hassan Zauro, was arrested alongside Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, Mustapha Sani Zauro and Bello Jos, all of whom are currently in police custody.
Police disclosed that Aminu Hassan Zauro allegedly collected N8.6 million from victims after promising to secure two Hajj slots for them.
According to investigators, the suspect was not affiliated with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency but allegedly worked with others to defraud intending pilgrims through fake documentation and false promises.
The police command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other accomplices still on the run.
Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, warned residents against dealing with unauthorized agents and urged intending pilgrims to process all Hajj arrangements strictly through the Pilgrims Welfare Agency or officially approved operators.
He assured members of the public that everyone linked to the alleged fraud would face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
