ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in connection with alleged fraud tied to the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Senior EFCC management sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrests, saying the officials were currently in custody.
The sums allegedly misappropriated were not disclosed.
“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 EFCC source told reporters.
In a statement signed by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on behalf of NAHCON Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Usman, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability.
While NAHCON did not confirm or deny the detention of its staff, it noted that it maintains an open relationship with anti-corruption and regulatory agencies.
“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 read.
The commission further urged the public and media to avoid speculation.
“However, 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,” it added.
NAHCON said it remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations and strengthening systems to improve service delivery in future pilgrimages.
The latest arrests follow a series of corruption investigations into the commission.
In August 2024, the EFCC invited former NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi over the alleged diversion of ₦90 billion released by the Federal Government to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Soon after, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also detained top NAHCON officials in connection with the subsidy funds.
President Tinubu later sacked Arabi in October 2024, appointing Prof. Usman as chairman in his place.
