The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned two senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged financial misconduct linked to the 2025 Hajj operations.

Those invited by the anti-graft agency were the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance (PPMF), Aliu Abdulrazak, and the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Aminu Y. Muhammed.

It was gathered that the officials were invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11 a.m. on Monday.

The EFCC is investigating the alleged diversion of funds involving Abdulrazak and Muhammed, dating back to the tenure of former Chairman Ahmad Jalal Arabi. Other senior officials of the commission have recently faced interrogation by the anti-graft body.

The ongoing investigation reportedly involves suspected financial impropriety exceeding N50 billion, including expenditures on tents, accommodations, and allowances allegedly made without presidential approval.

An official at NAHCON, however, told The Guardian on Tuesday that both officials had left the commission’s office, clarifying that they did not spend the night in EFCC custody as earlier reported.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment.

The detention comes amid mounting allegations of mismanagement in the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions had last week described the operations as a total failure, raising several issues, including alleged financial infractions now under investigation.

However, in its reaction on Tuesday, NAHCON warned against a media trial, stating that it is committed to accountability and cooperation with relevant anti-graft agencies.

In a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON described the allegations as unverified, while assuring that it would not shield any staff found wanting.

Usara said: “As a public institution established by law, NAHCON remains dedicated to its functions with the highest sense of responsibility, honesty, accountability, and a zeal to deliver efficient services. This is in line with its mandate to serve Nigerian pilgrims and the nation well.

“The Commission wishes to reaffirm that, as a responsible organisation, NAHCON maintains an open and ongoing relationship with all 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.

“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.”