The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged fraud connected to the 2025 Hajj operations.
Sources within the EFCC confirmed the arrests on Tuesday but declined to disclose the amount allegedly misappropriated. “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 senior official told PUNCH.
In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and cooperation with regulatory bodies.
While the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its officials, it said it maintains “an open and ongoing relationship with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies,” adding that it would not shield any staff found culpable.
NAHCON also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course.
“We are confident that whatever the truth is, it will emerge through the appropriate channels,” the statement read.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for official comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
This development comes months after former NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, was questioned by the EFCC in August 2024 over the alleged diversion of N90 billion released by the Federal Government to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission also arrested top NAHCON officials in connection with the same funds.
President Bola Tinubu later sacked Arabi in October 2024, appointing Prof. Usman as his successor.