Benue State Government has suspended the Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board over allegations of Hajj slot manipulation and financial mismanagement.
The decision was reached by the State Executive Council, which also approved the appointments of Ahmed Adamu as acting chairman and Adamu Babi as acting Executive Secretary.
The acting officials are expected to manage the board’s affairs while investigations into the allegations are ongoing.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev.
According to the statement, the suspension of both officials took effect on September 21, 2026, and would last for three months.
“The suspensions follow petitions alleging misuse of the allocation of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds.
“The petition against the Executive Secretary also alleges irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
“If found to be true, the allegations would amount to serious misconduct, contrary to the principles of public service, accountability, transparency and probity,” the statement read.
Iorpev explained that the suspension was necessary to facilitate an impartial and comprehensive investigation and to prevent potential interference with the process.
He stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the suspended officials.
The affected officers were also instructed to immediately hand over all government property in their possession to the newly appointed acting officials.
“The Benue State Government, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper management of public resources, particularly those connected to the welfare of intending pilgrims in the state,” the statement added.
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