Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has approved the suspension of the chairman and secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board over allegations of financial impropriety and abuse of office.
Adressing journalists shortly after the state executive council meeting on Monday at the Goverment House, iMakurdi, the Commissioner for Information and Reorientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev slated that the suspension would last for three months effective from Monday, September 21, 2026.
He announced the affected officials included Abubakar Adamu, the chairman and Ahmadu Alhassan, the secretary.
The commissioner said the governor had received several petitions against the suspended officials bordering on alleged misuse of Haji slots, the mismanagement of funds and irregularities in the distribution of palliatives.
Iorpev added that upon the conclusion of investigations, if the two officials are found guilty, then severe sanctions would be slammed on them as punitive measures.
According to him, the suspension would enable the state government get to the root of the matter, while anyone found liable will face the wrath of the law .
Read Also:
- Ortom Accuses Governor Alia Of Witch-Hunting Opponents, Disrespecting Elders
- Governor Alia rewards Super Falcons Star Francisca Ordega with ₦50m, Apartment, Street naming after historic WAFCON triumph
- Governor Alia Shakes Up Benue Government: Appoints new Chief of Staff, dissolves Executive Council
The commissioner announced the appointment of Ahmed Adamu, as acting chairman and Saihu Babi, as acting executive secretary of the board, pending the conclusion of investigations.
The suspended officials have been directed to hand over all property of the board in their custody to the respective acting officers with immediate effect.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and proper management of public funds.
It maintained that anyone involved in financial impropriety must be shown the way out, no matter the status of the office.
