EFCC detains NAHCON officials over fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over allegations of fraud connected to the 2025 Hajj operations

According to top EFCC management sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the officials are currently in custody.

The sources declined to disclose the amount allegedly misappropriated, stating only, “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.”

In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and cooperation with government oversight bodies. While the commission did not confirm or deny the detention, it emphasized that it would not shield any staff member found culpable.

“This cooperation is a standing principle of the commission’s operations and its belief in due process and the rule of law. The commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting,” the statement said.

Usara urged the public and media to avoid speculation, adding, “The commission respectfully urges the public and especially the media to exercise restraint on speculations and allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their work in accordance with established procedures, without subjecting perhaps innocent persons to indignity through media trials. We are confident that whatever the truth is, it will emerge through the appropriate channels.”

The statement added that NAHCON remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures for improved service delivery in future pilgrimages.

Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.

This development comes less than a year after the EFCC, in August 2024, questioned former NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi over the alleged diversion of ₦90 billion in government subsidies for the 2024 Hajj. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also arrested senior NAHCON officials over the same subsidy fund. President Bola Tinubu later sacked Arabi in October 2024 and appointed Prof. Usman as his replacement.

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