Benue State suspends Muslim Pilgrims Board officials

The Benue State Executive Council has suspended the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for three months, effective September 21, 2026. The officials, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, were suspended following petitions alleging the misuse of Hajj slot allocations and the mismanagement of funds. Additionally, the Executive Secretary faces allegations regarding irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, stated that the suspensions are intended to facilitate a thorough investigation and prevent interference with the facts. The government clarified that the move does not constitute a finding of guilt. To maintain operations, Hon. Ahmed Tijani Adamu Esq. has been appointed as Acting Chairman, and Mr. Adamu Salihu Babi has been appointed as Acting Executive Secretary. The suspended officials have been ordered to immediately hand over all office properties in their custody.