The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged fraud linked to the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Top EFCC management sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrests, noting that both officials were currently in custody.

They, however, declined to disclose the sums allegedly misappropriated.

?They are with us. We asked them to return the money they took, but they have yet to do so. That is why they remain in our custody,? one of the sources told our correspondent.

In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON stressed its commitment to accountability and due process.

Although the commission neither confirmed nor denied the detention of its officials, it stated that it maintains an open and ongoing relationship with 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,? the statement read.

Usara also appealed to the public and the media to avoid speculation, urging that due process be allowed to run its course.

?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,? the statement added.

Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Recall that the EFCC had in August 2024, invited former NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, over the alleged mismanagement and diversion of the N90bn released by the Federal Government to subsidise the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

In the days that followed, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had also arrested top officials of the Commission, over the same N90bn subsidy sum.

President Bola Tinubu eventually sacked Arabi in October 2024, and appointed Prof Usman in his place. (The PUNCH)

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