BENUE SUSPEND MUSLIM PILGRIMS BOARD OFFICIALS OVER HAJJ ALLEGATIONS

The Benue State Government has suspended the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for three months following petitions alleging irregularities in the management of Hajj activities and public fund .

The affected officials are Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, chairman of the board, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, executive secretary. Their suspensions took effect on Sep  21, 2026.

According to the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, the petition against the chairman alleged misuse of Hajj slot allocations and mismanagement of funds.

The executive secretary was also accused of irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.

The state government said the allegations, if established, could amount to serious misconduct and violate principles of accountability, transparency and probity in public service.

However, the government stressed that the suspension was not a declaration of guilt. It said the action was taken to facilitate a thorough investigation and prevent possible interference with the process.

To ensure the board continues to operate during the investigation, the State Executive Council appointed Ahmed Adamu as acting chairman and Adamu Babi as acting executive secretary.

The suspended officials were directed to hand over government property in their possession to their respective acting replacements.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and proper management of resources connected to the welfare of intending Muslim pilgrims from the state.