2025 Hajj: NAHCON Commissioner and Director Detained Over Alleged Diversion of Funds
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2025 Hajj: NAHCON Commissioner and Director Detained Over Alleged Diversion of Funds |
The EFCC detains NAHCON commissioner Aliu Abdulrazak and director Aminu Muhammed over alleged diversion of funds linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.
EFCC Detains Top NAHCON Officials
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over allegations of fund diversion during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Those in custody include Aliu Abdulrazak, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance (PPMF), and Aminu Y. Muhammed, Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA). The arrests followed their failure to refund funds allegedly mismanaged during the Hajj operations.
Allegations of Fraud and Mismanagement
According to credible reports, the detention is linked to allegations of mismanagement and fraudulent diversion of funds. While no official amount has been confirmed, investigators revealed that the case involves transactions in naira, Saudi riyals, and US dollars.
Sources disclosed that both Abdulrazak and Muhammed are also being investigated for a separate case of fund diversion dating back to the tenure of former NAHCON chairman, Ahmad Jalal Arabi.
This development has fueled growing concerns about transparency in Hajj operations, which directly affect thousands of Nigerian pilgrims. For more insights on public accountability cases, see this EFCC official update.
Criticism of NAHCON’s 2025 Hajj Operations
The Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards recently described the 2025 Hajj exercise as a “total failure”, criticizing the commission’s handling of logistics and welfare under its chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman (popularly called Professor Pakistan).
This is not the first time senior NAHCON officials have come under investigation. Earlier this month, the EFCC questioned other top staff members, including:
- Abdulmalik Diggi – Deputy Director (Accounts) and Adviser (General Services).
- Sirajo Usman Salisu – Deputy Director in the Chairman’s Office.
- Barrister Nura Danladi – NAHCON Legal Adviser.
Such repeated cases have raised questions about systemic mismanagement and the urgent need for reform in Hajj administration.
NAHCON’s Response
In response to the allegations, NAHCON released an official statement through its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara.
She emphasized that the commission remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering efficient services to Nigerian pilgrims.
Key points from the statement include:
- NAHCON will not shield any staff found guilty of misconduct.
- The commission maintains open cooperation with regulatory and anti-corruption agencies.
- The public and media were urged to avoid speculation and allow due process to take its course.
For context on NAHCON’s history and reforms, see this BBC report on Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
What This Means for Nigerian Pilgrims
The detention of senior NAHCON officials comes at a critical time when public trust in Hajj operations is already under strain. For the thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who save for years to fulfill the spiritual journey, accountability in Hajj funds is essential.
This case highlights the need for:
- Stronger financial monitoring in NAHCON operations.
- Greater transparency in the allocation of pilgrim funds.
- Swift investigations to ensure pilgrims are not burdened by institutional failures.
For regular updates on governance and accountability in Nigeria, visit androidpols.com.ng.
Transparency in Hajj Management is Critical
The arrest of NAHCON’s Commissioner and Director by the EFCC underscores Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption in sensitive national institutions. With the 2025 Hajj exercise already facing criticism, restoring credibility in the commission will require stronger oversight, transparent fund management, and a commitment to protecting the interests of pilgrims.
Until investigations conclude, the spotlight will remain firmly on NAHCON and its leadership. Nigerians and the wider Muslim community are watching closely to see if justice will be delivered.
