Benue Suspends Chairman, Secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Board

Benue Suspends Chairman, Secretary of Muslim Pilgrims Board

The Benue State Executive Council under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved the suspension of the Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The suspension is for a period of three months, and effective Monday, 21st September, 2026.

The affected officials are Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman of the Board, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary of the Board.

The suspensions follows 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.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev said “if found true, the allegations would amount to serious misconduct, contrary to the spirit of public service, accountability, transparency and probity.

“The suspensions are to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure there is no interference with the facts of the matter. They do not amount to a finding of guilt against either official.

“To ensure continuity in the running of the Board, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Hon. Ahmed Tijani Adamu Esq. as Acting Chairman and Mr. Adamu Salihu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary.”

The suspended officials have been directed to hand over all properties of the office in their custody to the respective acting officers with immediate effect.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper management of public resources, particularly those connected to the welfare of intending pilgrims from the State.