The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Sirajo Salisu Usman, brother to NAHCON Chairman and CEO Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, following allegations of multi-billion-naira misappropriation tied to the 2025 Hajj operations. Known among staff as “ka fi chairman” or “de facto chairman,” Sirajo Usman was arrested in Abuja and remains in custody as investigations continue.
Sources say the EFCC is probing widespread financial misconduct within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), with alleged expenses including ₦25 billion on Masha’ir tents, ₦1.6 billion on spouses, and ₦8 billion on unused contingency accommodations in Makkah—adding up to a potential misappropriation of over ₦50 billion.
Earlier in August, the EFCC also detained two high-ranking NAHCON officials—Aliu Abdulrazak, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel & Finance, and Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, Commissioner of Planning, Research & Statistics—alongside questioning other senior staff. A finance department assessment was reportedly deemed to reflect “considerable financial inefficiency.”
Critics allege Sirajo Usman has wielded significant influence behind the scenes—reviewing memos, approving purchases, and essentially operating as a shadow decision-maker. Employees have demanded a comprehensive forensic audit of approvals routed through him and his brother.
The EFCC has stated the probe covers procurement fraud, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, among other offenses. In response, staffers and stakeholders are calling for a complete overhaul of NAHCON, and full recovery of the lost funds.
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