In a dramatic twist of events, operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja on Tuesday, February 5, 2025, seizing four key officials, including the commission’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara. The arrests are part of a broader investigation into allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds tied to Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
At exactly 11 a.m., the EFCC team arrived in a white bus, flashing a valid warrant of arrest. Within minutes, they apprehended Usara and three other yet-to-be-named staff members who are reportedly involved in the alleged financial misconduct. Sources close to the investigation claim the arrests are connected to the suspected mismanagement of funds allocated for the 2024 Hajj operation.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source within the commission revealed, “This raid comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the diversion of Hajj-related funds, some of which were meant for logistical support and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. The EFCC operatives were swift, and the arrests were executed smoothly.”
The EFCC has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the operation, with their spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, only offering a brief statement: “At the moment, I cannot confirm further details. However, we will release official statements as investigations progress.”
This raid follows a similar operation carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) last week. The ICPC had earlier targeted NAHCON’s headquarters amid suspicions of financial mismanagement involving the staggering N90 billion intervention fund allocated for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. Both agencies are now investigating whether funds were diverted to private accounts or improperly used, causing significant damage to the credibility of the commission, which oversees the annual pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.
The controversial N90 billion fund, part of the government’s support for the Hajj, was meant to address various operational costs such as transportation, accommodation, and welfare for the Nigerian pilgrims. However, as reports of financial discrepancies and mismanagement surfaced, the agencies quickly moved to scrutinize NAHCON’s handling of the funds.
This raid is the latest in a series of high-profile corruption cases within the Nigerian public sector. Over the years, NAHCON has been under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, but this incident has taken on particular significance given the sensitive nature of the funds involved and the large number of Nigerian citizens affected by these operations.
When reached for comment, NAHCON officials declined to make any public statements, citing the ongoing investigations. However, critics of the commission have expressed deep concern about the growing pattern of financial scandals surrounding the organization. “NAHCON was supposed to serve as a model for transparency in managing public funds for religious purposes, but these repeated allegations of fraud undermine its credibility,” remarked a senior Nigerian cleric, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
The arrest of Fatimah Usara, the commission’s spokesperson, has drawn particular attention. Known for her public statements in defense of the commission, Usara’s arrest signals the seriousness of the allegations. A former government official, who also asked not to be named, suggested that Usara’s role in communicating NAHCON’s activities to the public may have inadvertently made her a target in the investigation. “As spokesperson, she would have had intimate knowledge of the operations, which may have placed her in a position where she could either expose or, perhaps, become involved in the alleged corruption,” the official speculated.
As the EFCC continues to probe NAHCON’s activities, the future of the commission is now uncertain. Questions are already being raised in public circles about whether the commission can continue to operate amidst such controversies. Furthermore, many Nigerians are calling for a thorough, transparent investigation into the Hajj operations to restore public trust in the process.
The Nigerian government has pledged to ensure that any wrongdoing will be met with appropriate legal action, emphasizing that those responsible for mismanaging public funds will be held accountable. The recent actions of the EFCC and ICPC are part of a broader effort by the Nigerian government to curb corruption within its ministries and agencies. However, given the high-profile nature of the Hajj operation, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the public perception of both NAHCON and the government’s anti-corruption initiatives.
The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for NAHCON’s leadership, especially as the next Hajj season looms. While the commission has long been a critical facilitator of the annual pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims, the scandals surrounding its financial management could alter the way future operations are conducted. Further arrests are expected as the investigation deepens, with Nigerians keenly watching how the anti-corruption agencies will navigate this high-stakes case.
