BENUE SUSPENDS MUSLIM PILGRIMS BOARD OFFICIALS OVER HAJJ ALLEGATIONS

The Benue State Executive Council 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 arrangements and public funds. The affected officials are the board’s Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, and Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan. The suspension took effect on Monday, September 21, 2026, according to a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev. 

The government said the petition against Adamu accused him of misusing the allocation of Hajj slots and mismanaging funds connected with the activities of the board. Alhassan, on the other hand, was accused of alleged irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives. The state government said the allegations, if established, would constitute serious misconduct and breach the principles of public service, accountability, transparency and probity. 

The Executive Council explained that the suspension was necessary to allow a thorough investigation into the petitions and prevent possible interference with the process. It also stressed that the administrative action should not be interpreted as proof that either official committed the alleged offences. The government specifically stated that the suspension did not amount to a finding of guilt against the chairman or executive secretary, as the allegations would first have to be investigated and established. 

To ensure that the board continues to function during the investigation, the state government approved Ahmed Tijani Adamu as Acting Chairman and Adamu Salihu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary. The suspended officials were directed to immediately hand over all government property in their possession to their respective acting replacements. The temporary leadership is expected to oversee the board’s activities while the investigation into the allegations continues. 

The Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, particularly funds and arrangements relating to intending Muslim pilgrims from the state. The administration said the investigation would help establish the facts surrounding the petitions and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred in the management of Hajj slots, funds or other responsibilities handled by the affected officials.