The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, over alleged financial mismanagement involving more than ₦50 billion linked to the 2025 Hajj operations.
Reliable sources disclosed that Professor Usman honoured the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday morning at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was interrogated over a series of financial transactions traced to the Commission’s 2025 pilgrimage funds.
Following hours of questioning, the embattled NAHCON boss was granted administrative bail, with a directive to report to the EFCC office daily pending the conclusion of investigations.
It was learnt that the probe was triggered by mounting allegations of diversion and unauthorised expenditure within the Commission, including the alleged misuse of ₦25 billion earmarked for Masha’ir tents, ₦7.9 billion for contingency housing, and ₦1.6 billion reportedly spent on travel arrangements for officials’ spouses.
The development comes barely a month after the EFCC detained Aliu Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel and Finance, and Aminu Y. Muhammed, the Director of Finance and Accounts, over their alleged complicity in the same scandal. Both officials have since been released and are said to be cooperating with investigators.
Meanwhile, a source within the Presidency confirmed that Professor Usman’s Presidential Villa security clearance had been revoked—a strong indication that the Federal Government views the allegations as a matter of national concern.
Before the House of Representatives Committee on Pilgrimage Affairs during an earlier public hearing, the NAHCON Chairman had admitted that “irregularities” existed within the system but pledged to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure transparency.
In a statement made available to journalists, NAHCON’s management reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, stating that the Commission “will not shield any staff or process found wanting” and would cooperate fully with anti-graft agencies to restore public confidence in its operations.
Efforts to reach the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as he neither picked calls nor responded to messages as of press time.
The unfolding investigation has heightened scrutiny over the financial conduct of public agencies involved in religious pilgrimages, with many Nigerians calling for a comprehensive audit of NAHCON’s operations.
