The Benue State Executive Council has approved the suspension of the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Benue State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for three months following petitions alleging misuse of Hajj slots, financial mismanagement and irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NBBSPIDEL.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
The affected officials are the Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, and the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Ahmadu Alhassan. Their suspension took effect from Monday, September 21, 2026.
The state government has consequently appointed Ahmed Adamu as acting Chairman and Adamu Salihu Babi as acting Executive Secretary to oversee the affairs of the board while investigations into the allegations are conducted.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev.
According to the government, petitions received against the suspended officials contained allegations concerning the allocation of Hajj slots and the management of funds belonging to the board.
“The suspensions follow received petitions alleging misuse of the allocation of Hajj slots and mismanagement of funds,” the statement said.
It added that the petition against the Executive Secretary also contained allegations of irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives.
“The petition against the Executive Secretary also alleges irregularities in the distribution of government palliatives,” the statement added.
The state government said the allegations, if established after investigation, could amount to serious misconduct inconsistent with the standards expected of public officials.
“If found true, the allegations would amount to serious misconduct, contrary to the spirit of public service, accountability, transparency and probity,” the statement read.
Iorpev explained that the three-month suspension was intended to create an environment for a thorough investigation and prevent possible interference with the process.
The commissioner, however, stressed that the decision to suspend the two officials should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt, as the allegations remain subject to investigation.
The suspended Chairman and Executive Secretary have also been directed to immediately hand over all government property and other official items in their custody to the newly appointed acting officials.
Ahmed Adamu will therefore take charge as acting Chairman, while Adamu Salihu Babi will serve as acting Executive Secretary for the duration of the suspension and investigation.
The government said the action was part of its effort to ensure accountability in the administration of public resources, particularly funds and other resources connected with the welfare of intending Muslim pilgrims from Benue State.
“The Benue State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability and the proper management of public resources, particularly those connected to the welfare of intending pilgrims from the State,” the statement said.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
