The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken two top executives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria into custody amidst investigations of fraud linked to this year’s Hajj operations.
Sources close to the EFCC, speaking under the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the suspects remain detained while inquiries continue. Although officials have refrained from disclosing the exact amounts involved, the Commission insists the accused have yet to return the funds they are said to have misappropriated.
NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, reiterated the commission’s dedication to transparency and lawful procedures. While the agency neither confirmed nor denied the detention of the individuals, it emphasized its collaboration with various governmental watchdogs, with a firm stance against any misconduct within its ranks.
This partnership with law enforcement bodies shows our commitment to accountability and respect for legal processes. We do not protect any personnel or mechanisms found to be compromised
Usara also called on both journalists and the public to refrain from conjecture, emphasizing patience as the official investigation unfolds. She advocated for fair treatment, warning against premature judgments or media trials that could unfairly tarnish reputations.
The commission remains focused on ensuring that the truth will come to light through proper channels. We urge the media and public alike to trust the process and avoid speculation – Usara
Current priorities for NAHCON include rigorous post-Hajj assessments, addressing operational bottlenecks, and reinforcing strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of future pilgrimages.
Efforts to obtain comments from EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful at the time this story was written.
This latest development follows a series of probes beginning in August 2024, when former NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi was summoned by EFCC over alleged misappropriation of a ₦90 billion government subsidy designated for last year’s Hajj. The anti-corruption drive also implicated other senior officials connected to the subsidy.
Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu relieved Arabi of his duties in October 2024, appointing Professor Abdullahi Usman as the new chairman to steer the commission forward.
They are currently in our custody. We have demanded the return of the diverted funds, but so far, this has not been fulfilled. Their continued detention reflects the seriousness with which we view this matter – an EFCC source
The focus remains on restoring integrity and refining NAHCON’s operations for future pilgrimages, as investigations proceed.
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