Prof. Saleh Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), is the subject of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of widespread financial misconduct about the 2025 Hajj operations.
Sources available to BrandSpur banking and finance news desk claim that Usman accepted a formal invitation and showed up at the EFCC headquarters earlier yesterday (Wednesday, October 8). He was later freed on administrative bail, but while the investigation is ongoing, he must report to the Commission every day.
The investigation follows growing allegations of corruption at the Commission, including the purported misappropriation and diversion of over N50 billion. The unapproved use of N25 billion for Masha’ir tents, N7.9 billion for emergency housing, and N1.6 billion for official spouses’ travel expenses are among the specific accusations.
Aliu Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, and Finance, and Aminu Y. Muhammad, its Director of Finance and Accounts, were detained by the EFCC last month for their roles in the scandal. According to reports, both officials are assisting investigators.
Usman has not been charged officially, but sources in the Presidency have confirmed that his Villa security clearance has been revoked while the investigation is ongoing. This is a clear sign of how seriously the government is taking the situation.
The NAHCON Chairman acknowledged that there were “dirty deals” within the organisation during a previous public hearing before the House of Representatives. Still, he pledged to back any initiatives that promote accountability and transparency.
The commission “will not shield any staff or process found wanting,” according to a NAHCON statement, and it stated that it is willing to work fully with the appropriate authorities.
The Head of Media and Publicity for the Commission, Dele Oyewale, was contacted for confirmation and promised to follow up, but he did not do so in time for publication.
