EFCC operatives raided the headquarters of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of a N90billion intervention fund intended for the 2024 Hajj.
It was learnt that the anti-graft agency operatives stormed NAHCON premises around 11am and subsequently detained NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, along with three other unidentified staff members.
The operatives arrived with a valid warrant of arrest, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, some aggrieved workers at NAHCON had also called for an investigation by the Nigerian government over fresh allegations of corruption, favoritism, and systemic violations of civil service regulations in the commission.
The staff had told SaharaReporters that the allegations implicated some senior officials in the commission and raised questions about the integrity of the leadership.
SaharaReporters had on January 2 reported the reinstatement of Usman Ardo Kumo, a retired civil servant turned politician who had also contested the 2019 elections.
He had resigned from the North-West Development Commission and his resignation was duly accepted.
Kumo was allegedly reinstated by Bukar Babagana, NAHCON’s Director of Administration and Human Resources. Bukar, who was transferred from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
In a fresh revelation, some NAHCON staff, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, said Bukar allegedly repeatedly flouted civil service rules by retaining staff who are either due for retirement or occupying positions beyond their approved grade levels and tenures.
