Police in Kebbi State have arrested four men accused of stealing N8.6 million from pilgrims in a Hajj seat fraud scheme.
Nafiu Abubakar, the police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday. The main suspect is Aminu Hassan Zauro, he said.
Three other men were taken into custody with Zauro. Their names are Tabiu Abubakar, Usman Attahiru and Mustapha Sani Zauro.
Four additional suspects remain on the run. Police identified them as Bello Jos, Atiku Store, Umar Gimba and Usman Bunza.
The Kebbi State Pilgrams Welfare Agency filed a complaint after discovering something odd. Intending pilgrims' names were missing from official records, investigators found.
Zauro allegedly promised two Hajj seats for 2026 to a victim in exchange for N8.6 million. He had no authority whatsoever to allocate such seats, police said.
A second victim lost an additional N690,000 to the same suspect using identical tactics. Authorities believe the fraud involved multiple people.
To cover his tracks, Zauro handed victims fake Hajj materials, according to detectives. These included branded bags, hijabs, wrappers and counterfeit medical cards.
Officers recovered a Tecno Android phone during raids on properties linked to the suspect. Police also seized the fraudulent items.
Commissioner Bello Sani has cautioned prospective pilgrims to be extremely careful. Deal only with the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency and legitimate officials, he urged.
Sani warned that criminals continue targeting unsuspecting worshippers seeking Hajj arrangements. Vigilance is essential, he added.
