By Onilede Titi Faith
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over alleged fraud tied to the 2025 Hajj operations.
Sources within the EFCC, who confirmed the arrests on condition of anonymity, said the officials remain in custody after failing to refund funds allegedly diverted.
“They are with us. We asked them to return the money they took, but they have yet to do so. That is why they remain in our custody,” one source disclosed.
In response, NAHCON issued a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and due process.
While the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its staff, it stressed that it maintains close collaboration with relevant anti-corruption and regulatory agencies.
“The commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting,” the statement read.
Usara cautioned against media speculation, urging the public to allow investigations to run their course.
“Speculations may subject innocent persons to indignity through media trials. We are confident that the truth will emerge through appropriate channels.
“Meanwhile, the commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, operational improvements, and better service delivery in future Hajj operations,” she said.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This development follows months of anti-corruption scrutiny of NAHCON.
In August 2024, the EFCC invited former chairman Jalal Arabi over alleged mismanagement of N90bn in Hajj subsidy funds, while the ICPC also arrested senior officials in connection with the same case.
President Bola Tinubu later sacked Arabi in October 2024 and appointed Prof. Usman as chairman.
