EFCC Detains NAHCON Finance Commissioner, Director Over Alleged ₦50 Billion Fraud in 2025 Hajj Operations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Aliu Abdulrazak, the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, and Finance at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over allegations of financial misconduct linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Abdulrazak was reportedly detained alongside Aminu Y. Muhammed, NAHCON’s Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), after both officials responded to an invitation to appear at EFCC headquarters around 11 a.m. on Monday. As of late Monday night, they remained in custody.
Their detention follows mounting allegations of large-scale mismanagement during the 2025 Hajj, which the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions recently described as a “total failure” under the leadership of NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, widely known as “Professor Pakistan.”
At a review meeting held in Abuja last week, the forum identified 16 major issues in the commission’s handling of the pilgrimage—seven of which relate to suspected financial misconduct and are now under EFCC investigation.
Sources disclosed that Abdulrazak and Muhammed are also being investigated for their alleged involvement in a separate fund diversion case that dates back to the tenure of former NAHCON Chairman Ahmad Jalal Arabi.
Earlier in the month, the EFCC had also interrogated other senior NAHCON officials, including: Abdulmalik Diggi, Deputy Director (Accounts) and Special Adviser (General Services) to the Chairman/CEO; Sirajo Usman Salisu, Deputy Director in the Chairman’s Office; and Barrister Nura Danladi, the Commission’s Legal Adviser.
Investigators are currently examining claims of financial irregularities involving over ₦50 billion during Professor Usman’s administration. Specific allegations include the misappropriation of: ₦25 billion on Masha’ir tents, ₦1.6 billion on travel expenses for spouses, and ₦7.9 billion on contingency accommodations in Makkah.
Additionally, Professor Usman is accused of authorizing extra-budgetary expenditures beyond presidential approval. The diverted funds were allegedly used to cover the costs of travel and lodging for NAHCON officials, stakeholders, and their spouses—amounting to an additional ₦25 billion.
Efforts to contact Abdulrazak and Muhammed for comment on Monday night were unsuccessful, as their phones were reportedly switched off. However, a senior NAHCON official confirmed their detention, stating:
“As I speak with you now, they are still in EFCC custody.”
Several stakeholders and NAHCON staff, speaking under condition of anonymity, have called for the immediate suspension of the detained officials to safeguard the integrity of the investigation. One source urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action:
“The President should dissolve the current NAHCON leadership and appoint a competent sole administrator with both operational and administrative Hajj experience to restore order.”
Some NAHCON staff have welcomed the EFCC’s actions, praising the commission’s effort to combat corruption within the organization. Stakeholders also called for a comprehensive investigation and prosecution process to ensure the recovery of public funds and the accountability of those involved.
Former NAHCON Chairmen Zikirullah Kunle Hassan and Ahmad Jalal Arabi were previously granted bail after facing EFCC investigations. Similarly, former Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, and Finance, Nura Yakasai, was questioned and later released on bail.