The Benue State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, has approved the suspension of the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for three months.
The suspension, which takes effect from Monday, September 21, 2026, affects the Chairman of the Board, Abubakar Adamu, and the Executive Secretary, Ahmadu Alhassan.
According to the State Government, the decision followed petitions alleging misuse in the allocation of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds.
The petition against the Executive Secretary also alleged irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
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The government said the allegations, if established, would constitute serious misconduct and be contrary to the principles of public service, accountability, transparency and probity.
It explained that the suspension was to facilitate a thorough investigation into the allegations and prevent any possible interference with the facts of the matter, stressing that the action does not amount to a finding of guilt against either of the affected officials.
To ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Board during the period of the investigation, the Executive Council approved the appointment of Ahmed Tijani Adamu as Acting Chairman and Adamu Salihu Babi as Acting Executive Secretary.
The suspended officials have also been directed to hand over all government properties in their custody to the respective acting officers with immediate effect.
The Benue State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources, particularly those relating to the welfare of intending pilgrims from the state.
