Ex-NAHCON Boss, Hassan, Threatens Legal Action over Alleged Invitation by EFCC

Chinedu Eze

The immediate-past Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has condemned a recent online publication accusing  him of gross abuse of office, and  alleged that he was grilled by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on February 26, 2024.

Hassan, who spoke through his media aide, Shakirudeen Bankole, denied the allegation, saying at no time was he invited by the anti-graft agency for questioning on allegations of corruption or any related offence.

While acknowledging that officials of the agency examined the books of the commission when he was still in office, he said NAHCON’s relevant officials provided all answers to the queries raised by the EFCC operatives.

According to him, “On my honour as a Muslim and a decent family man, I make bold to say that not for once did the EFCC operatives on investigation mission at NAHCON consider it necessary to query me. You can’t find any evidence of my interface with contractors nor running any financial transaction in place of the relevant officials.” 

ß“If they run their checks 10 times more, the result will remain same-that is, I don’t meddle with specialised responsibilities being a responsible professional myself.”

Assuring the Muslim ummah and the public of his untainted record while in office, Hassan promised that his team of lawyers would soon  seek redress against the publishers of the online portal for “indulging in reckless falsehood bereft of any iota of truth.”

Regarding the recent reception held in his honour by The Companion Muslim group, Alhaji Hassan further noted that it was mischievous for the so called news portal to celebrate the absence of certain individuals and officials.

Responding to the publication’s reference to a professional association, The Companion, which he attended its reception, Hassan explained that although he is a member of The Companion, he too was invited to the reception like the rest of the guests; even as it was dedicated to honouring him for being their worthy ambassador.

“It may well interest those insinuating their biases in the guest selection that The Companion ranks beyond their pettiness. We’re talking about a reputable association of high profile professionals and decent business men of the best rating around the world.  They know what is best for whatever design they have.  It is not for some idlers to volunteer unsolicited trifles,” he added.