The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently questioning Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over allegations of financial misconduct involving billions of naira in public funds.
Professor Pakistan arrived at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters on Tuesday accompanied by his lawyer, following multiple postponed appearances. The investigation focuses on several major financial concerns, including N25 billion reportedly spent on Masha’ir extra bed space, N1.6 billion allocated for NAHCON staff spouses, N8 billion expended on Makkah contingency bed spaces, and extra-budgetary spending exceeding 300% of approved limits.
Other cases involve N25 billion used for officials, staff, and board members, N1.4 billion in committee allowances and alleged mismanagement of Madinah bed space allocations.
The questioning comes after Professor Pakistan reportedly defied Vice President Kashim Shettima’s direct instruction to appear before the anti-graft agency following a Monday meeting at the Presidential Villa. Instead of complying, the NAHCON chairman attended an International Forum of Saudi Graduates event in Abuja.
This is not the first instance of resistance from Professor Pakistan, who previously stated in a media interview that he feared no investigation, claiming the EFCC lacked evidence to support its allegations.
The probe has already involved several other NAHCON officials, including Secretary Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, who was questioned and released on bail last month. Other senior staff members have also undergone interrogation as part of the expanding investigation.
An EFCC source familiar with the case noted that intervention attempts by the chairman’s associates were firmly rejected, with officials emphasizing that “Islam abhors corruption, particularly when it concerns Hajj-related matters.”
Within NAHCON, some staff have welcomed the investigation, expressing hope that it will address what they describe as unprecedented financial mismanagement that has damaged the commission’s reputation. They have called for the immediate removal of both Professor Pakistan and Dr. Ali from their positions to ensure an unimpeded investigation, warning that their continued presence in office could compromise the probe.
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