The Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State has arrested four individuals over an alleged fraud involving ₦9.29 million collected from two intending pilgrims under the promise of securing Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the suspects were arrested after a complaint was filed by the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
The arrested suspects include Aminu Hassan Zauro, Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru, and Mustapha Sani Zauro.
Police also confirmed that four other suspects — identified as Bello Jos, Atiku Stores, Umar Gimba, and Usman Bunza — are currently on the run.
Investigations revealed that the main suspect, Aminu Hassan Zauro, allegedly collected ₦8.6 million from one victim with a promise to secure two Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage.
He was also said to have received an additional ₦690,000 from another victim as a deposit for another slot, after which he allegedly issued fake pilgrimage items such as travel bags and medical documents.
The police said the fake materials were recovered during the investigation, adding that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring all those involved to justice.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Muhammed Hadejia, warned intending pilgrims to avoid dealing with unauthorized individuals and to conduct all Hajj-related transactions only through the official Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to prevent fraud.