Officials of the Yobe State Pilgrims Welfare Board in Potiskum Local Government Council have been arrested by the state’s Police Command over alleged missing Hajj fares paid to them by over 41 intending pilgrims.

The Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Jafiya Zubairu while confirming the development in Damaturu on Thursday said investigations have commenced into the allegations that the officials collected monies from some intending pilgrims but could not secure visas for them.

“The Criminal Investigation Department, CID, arm of the Command is currently investigating the matter. However, I cannot give the exact number of those involved and other details as investigations are still ongoing,” Zubairu said.

The 41 affected persons had take their protest to the State House of Assembly, soliciting its intervention and support to enable them embark on the pilgrimage.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Dala-Dogo assured them that the legislature would liaise will the executive so that they could join other pilgrims, most of whom had  already been airlifted to the Holy Land.