The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged financial misconduct linked to preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Top EFCC sources confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the officials are currently being held in custody. However, details of the alleged sum involved 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 of the sources told our correspondent.
In a swift reaction, NAHCON said it remains committed to accountability and due process, though it neither confirmed nor denied the arrest of its officials.
A statement signed by Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on behalf of NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, stressed that the commission would not shield any staff found culpable of wrongdoing.
“This cooperation [with government agencies] 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.
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NAHCON further urged the public and media to refrain from speculations and allow investigations to run their course, insisting that “the truth will emerge through the appropriate channels.”
The commission noted that it remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations and strengthening operations for future pilgrimages.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.
The development comes months after former NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, was grilled by the EFCC in August 2024 over alleged mismanagement of N90bn government subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise. He was later removed by President Bola Tinubu in October and replaced with Prof. Usman.