The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Senior EFCC sources confirmed the arrests on condition of anonymity, stating that both officials remain in custody. They declined to disclose the sums allegedly misappropriated.
“They are with us. We asked them to return the money they took, but they have not done so. That is why they remain in our custody,” one source said.
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 accountability and due process.
Although it neither confirmed nor denied the arrests, NAHCON stressed its cooperation with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.
“The commission will not shield any staff or process found wanting. We urge the public and the media to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course,” the statement read.
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
This development follows EFCC’s August 2024 invitation of former NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, over the alleged diversion of ₦90 billion released by the Federal Government to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) also arrested senior officials over the same subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu later sacked Arabi in October 2024 and appointed Prof Usman as his successor.