The Benue State Executive Council has approved the suspension of the Chairman and the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for a period of three months.
The suspension, which takes effect from Monday, 21st September, 2026, affects Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, Chairman of the Board, and Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan, Executive Secretary of the Board.
The decision was reached at the Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
According to a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Chief Solomon Iorpev, on Monday, the suspension follows petitions alleging misuse of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds. The petition against the Executive Secretary also includes allegations of irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
The government noted that if established, the allegations would amount to serious misconduct, contrary to the principles of public service, accountability, transparency and probity.
The Commissioner clarified that the suspension is to allow for a thorough investigation and to prevent any interference with the process, adding that it does not amount to a finding of guilt against either official.
To ensure continuity in the administration 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 government property in their custody to the acting officers with immediate effect.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Alia-led administration to transparency, accountability and proper management of public resources, particularly those relating to the welfare of intending pilgrims from the state.
