The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged the media and the public to exercise restraint in reporting unverified allegations.

The commission cautioned that innocent officials should not be subjected to indignity through media trials.

This comes amid an ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into alleged financial misconduct linked to the 2025 Hajj operations.

Two senior NAHCON officials, the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel and Finance (PPMF), Aliu Abdulrazak, and the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA), Aminu Y. Muhammed, were reportedly invited to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning.

Other senior officials of the commission have also faced recent interrogation by the anti-graft body.

However, in response, NAHCON, through a statement by its Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process.

The commission stressed that it maintains ongoing cooperation with relevant government and regulatory agencies and would not shield any staff or process found wanting.

Usara said: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is aware of certain media publications making various comments regarding the commission, its operations and unverified allegations yet.
“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.”