Police arrest four suspects over Hajj seat scam in Kebbi

Authorities in Kebbi State have arrested four individuals in connection with an alleged Hajj seat scam that defrauded intending pilgrims of millions of naira. The suspects are also accused of circulating fake Hajj materials.

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Investigation led to the arrest of Aminu Hassan Zauro, who had no legitimate access to Hajj slots but fraudulently collected the sum of ₦8,600,000 from a victim under the false promise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The prime suspect, Aminu Zauro, was apprehended along with Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro. The police stated that Zauro, lacking legitimate access to Hajj slots, fraudulently collected ₦8,600,000 from a victim promising two seats for the 2026 Hajj. He also allegedly received an initial deposit of ₦690,000 from another victim using similar deceptive tactics.

To conceal the fraud, Zauro reportedly procured and presented unauthorized Hajj materials, including bags, hijabs, wrappers, and fake medical record cards, to the victims. These fake items, along with a mobile phone, were recovered by the police during the operation. Several other suspects, including Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza, are reportedly at large.

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In an attempt to conceal the fraud, the suspect procured and presented unauthorised branded Hajj materials, including a Hajj bag, hijabs, wrappers, and fake medical record cards to the victims.

Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Umar M. Hadejia, cautioned intending pilgrims against engaging with unauthorized individuals for Hajj arrangements. He urged them to exclusively interact with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or its accredited officials. The police emphasized that all culpable suspects will be prosecuted according to the law.

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The Commissioner of Police has cautioned intending pilgrims to deal only with the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or its accredited officials and guides, noting that many people fall victim to such fraudulent schemes annually.