Hajj allegations: Benue suspends pilgrims board chair, secretary

The Benue State Government has suspended the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board due to allegations of Hajj slot manipulation and financial mismanagement. This decision was made by the State Executive Council, and Ahmed Adamu and Adamu Babi have been appointed as acting chairman and executive secretary, respectively.

They will oversee the board's operations while investigations into the allegations are conducted. The suspension took effect on September 21, 2026, and will last for three months. The suspension was initiated following petitions claiming misuse of Hajj slot allocation and mismanagement of funds. If proven true, the allegations would constitute serious misconduct, violating principles of public service, accountability, transparency, and probity.

The government aims to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation while preventing any interference with the process. The suspended officials are required to surrender all government property in their possession to the new acting officials. The Benue State Government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, reaffirms its dedication to transparency, accountability, and the proper management of public resources, including those related to the welfare of intending pilgrims in the state.