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 allocation of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds.
The affected officials are Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman of the Board, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary. Their suspension took effect on Monday, 21 September 2026, following a decision by the State Executive Council.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, the petition against the chairman alleged misuse of Hajj slot allocations and financial mismanagement.
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, Mr Iorpev stressed that the suspension was not a declaration of guilt, saying it was intended to allow for a thorough investigation and prevent any interference with the process.
To ensure the continued operation of the board, the government appointed Ahmed Tijani Adamu as acting chairman and Adamu Salihu Babi as acting executive secretary.
The suspended officials have also been directed to hand over government property in their possession to the acting officers with immediate effect.
The Benue government said it remained committed to transparency and the proper management of public resources, particularly those relating to the welfare of intending pilgrims from the state.
