Police Arrest Four Over ₦8.6m Hajj Fraud Against Kebbi Pilgrims -

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged ₦8.6 million Hajj fraud targeting intending pilgrims in the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the arrests followed complaints from victims and officials of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

According to the statement, the suspects allegedly deceived several intending pilgrims by collecting money from them with promises of securing Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage.

They were also accused of issuing fake Hajj materials, including pilgrimage bags and forged medical documents used for processing travel arrangements.

Investigations began after some discovered that their names were missing from the official approved pilgrims’ list despite having received Hajj-related documents.

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This discrepancy prompted a deeper inquiry by authorities, which eventually exposed the alleged fraud.
The prime suspect, identified as Aminu Hassan Zauro, was arrested alongside Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, Mustapha Sani Zauro, and Bello Jos.

All four suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
SP Bashir Usman alleged that Aminu Hassan Zauro alone collected about ₦8.6 million from victims under the false promise of securing two Hajj slots.

He further clarified that the suspect had no official affiliation with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency but allegedly worked with accomplices to defraud unsuspecting applicants.

The Kebbi State Police Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects still at large, adding that the case will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, urged the public to be cautious and advised intending pilgrims to deal only with the official Pilgrims Welfare Agency or approved agents to avoid falling victim to similar scams.

He assured that all those involved in the fraud would be brought to justice once investigations are concluded.