Aliu Abdulrazak, Aminu Muhammed, both senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have been held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj operations.
While Abdulrazak is the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance (PPMF), Muhammed is the director in charge of Finance and Accounts (DFA) of the Commission.
According to reports, Aliu Abdulrazak, Aminu Muhammed, appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Monday.
The investigation reportedly concerns alleged diversion of funds tracing back to the tenure of former chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi. Several other senior officials of the commission have also been questioned recently by the EFCC.
The probe is said to involve suspected financial irregularities estimated at over N50 billion, covering expenditures on tents, accommodations, and allowances allegedly made without presidential approval.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, was unavailable for comment.
This development comes amid rising allegations of mismanagement during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Last week, the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions described the exercise as a “total failure,” pointing to several operational lapses and alleged financial infractions now under investigation.
In its response on Tuesday, NAHCON cautioned against a media trial, stressing its commitment to accountability and cooperation with anti-graft bodies.
In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission dismissed the allegations as unverified while assuring that no staff would be shielded if found guilty.
Usara said: “As a public institution established by law, NAHCON remains dedicated to its functions with the highest sense of responsibility, honesty, accountability, and a zeal to deliver efficient services. This is in line with its mandate to serve Nigerian pilgrims and the nation well.
“The Commission wishes to reaffirm that, as a responsible organisation, NAHCON maintains an open and ongoing relationship with all 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.
“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. We are confident that whatever the truth is, it will emerge through the appropriate channels.
“The Commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations.”
