Hajj fraud: Police arrest 4 suspects over N8.6m seat scam

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a Hajj seat scam.

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The spokesperson for the command, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, 25th May 2026.

According to Usman, the suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro, were arrested following a complaint from the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency after discovering that the names of some intending pilgrims were missing from its official records.

Investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Zauro, who had no legitimate access to Hajj slots, fraudulently collected N8.6 million from a victim under the false promise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj. 

“The prime suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, alongside three others namely; Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro, were arrested with one Bello Jos, Atiku store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza at large following a complaint received from the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency regarding some intending pilgrims whose names were not found in the Agency’s official records,” the statement read.

“Investigation led to the arrest of Aminu Hassan Zauro, who had no legitimate access to Hajj slots but fraudulently collected the sum of N8,600,000 from a victim under the false promise of securing two seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise. 

“The suspect also obtained an initial deposit of N690,000 from another victim under similar false pretences. 

“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.

“All the items have been recovered by the Police alongside one Techno Android phone.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, 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. 

“The CP further directed that all persons found culpable in connection with the fraudulent Hajj transactions be prosecuted accordingly.”