The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has firmly denied any involvement in the arrest and detention of Newspoint Nigeria journalist Farouk Abbas by the Department of State Services (DSS). The Commission clarified that neither its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, nor any official directed or influenced the security agency's action.
According to media reports, Abbas was detained by DSS operatives on October 14 in Kaduna, following his investigative stories alleging corruption within the Hajj Commission and alleged political influence from Vice President Kashim Shettima. He was reportedly held for more than 50 hours before being released after signing an undertaking. Upon release, he was hospitalized due to health complications arising from the detention.
In an official statement signed by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant on Media to the Chairman, NAHCON described the allegations as "false and malicious propaganda aimed at damaging the Commission's reputation." The statement emphasized that Professor Usman never ordered the arrest of any journalist or used the DSS for personal or institutional reasons.
The Commission also challenged Newspoint Nigeria to produce verifiable evidence supporting its claims. NAHCON maintained that its operations remain guided by transparency, due process, and accountability, noting its ongoing cooperation with relevant anti-corruption and oversight bodies.
Reiterating its mission, NAHCON urged the Muslim Ummah and the general public to disregard misleading reports, assuring them that the Commission remains focused on improving services to Nigerian pilgrims.
Through its renewed emphasis on integrity and service delivery, NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the trust placed in it by millions of Muslims preparing for the Hajj journey.Source: