By Anwar Usman
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Anonymous sources at the EFCC reliability confirmed the arrests, noting that both officials were currently in custody.
“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,” a source stated.
In a statement signed by the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON emphasized its commitment to accountability and due process.
Although the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its officials, it stated that it maintains an open and ongoing relationship with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.
“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.
Usara also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation, urging that due process be allowed to run its course.
“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.”
The statement further added that “the commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations”.
Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.