The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged financial misconduct linked to the recently concluded 2025 Hajj exercise.
According to reports confirmed by top EFCC officials, the suspects are currently in custody pending further investigations.
“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 of the sources disclosed to The PUNCH.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the handling of funds during this year’s pilgrimage, which saw thousands of Nigerian pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia under NAHCON’s supervision.
NAHCON Reacts, Pledges Transparency
In a statement issued on Tuesday 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 due process.
The commission emphasized that it maintains an open relationship with anti-corruption agencies and will not shield any official 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 read.
NAHCON also appealed to the public and media to exercise caution and avoid premature judgments while investigations are ongoing.
“We respectfully urge 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 commission added that it remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, operational reviews, and strengthening measures to improve service delivery in future Hajj operations.
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