The Yobe State Police Command has arrested officials of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board and Potiskum Local Government Council over alleged missing hajj fares paid by 41 intending pilgrims.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Jafiya Zubairu, confirmed the development in Damaturu.
According to him, officials from both organisations allegedly diverted deposits made by 41 intending pilgrims from the Potiskum Local Government Area, and could not secure visas for them.
The PPRO said: “The Criminal Investigation Department, ClD, arm of the Command is currently investigating the matter.
“However, I cannot give the exact number of those involved and other details, as investigation is still ongoing.”
The 41 affected intending pilgrims had protested to the state House of Assembly to solicit its intervention; to enable them perform the hajj.
The Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Dala-Dogo, assured the pilgrims that the legislature will liaise with the executive, to ensure that they perform the religious obligation.
Meanwhile, most of the state’s intending pilgrims have been transported to the holy land.