The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has strongly refuted a report by Newspoint Nigeria accusing its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, of using the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain a journalist and engaging in corrupt practices.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, signed by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman, NAHCON described the publication titled “How NAHCON Chairman Used DSS To Detain News Point Nigeria’s Editor for Exposing Corruption, Pro-Shettima Reports” as “reckless, defamatory, and entirely fabricated.”
“The Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, did not at any time order, direct, or request the arrest of any journalist or media practitioner, whether through the Department of State Services (DSS) or any other security agency,” the statement read.
Calling the publication a “work of fiction designed to malign the character of the Chairman and undermine the integrity of the Commission,” NAHCON challenged Newspoint Nigeria to provide verifiable evidence of its claims.
The Commission also dismissed allegations of corruption and political interference as “baseless and recycled,” insisting that its current leadership remains committed to transparency and due process.
“The Commission has consistently cooperated with all regulatory and anti-corruption agencies through the appropriate government channels,”
it added.
Addressing claims that Professor Usman had disrespected Vice President Kashim Shettima or reported him to President Bola Tinubu, NAHCON described the allegations as “entirely fabricated and unethical.”
“Professor Usman maintains a professional and respectful relationship with the Vice President’s office and all government institutions,”
the statement noted.
NAHCON further clarified that an individual identified in the Newspoint report as a “Senior Journalist and former Managing Director of Radio Kano” is not affiliated with the Commission in any capacity.
“It is misleading to associate his alleged private actions or statements with NAHCON,”
the Commission stated, adding that inconsistencies in the publication exposed its lack of credibility.
While reiterating its respect for press freedom, NAHCON warned that it would not tolerate deliberate attempts to tarnish its image or mislead the public under the guise of journalism.
“Deliberate efforts to mislead the public under the guise of press freedom will not be condoned,” the statement read, disclosing that the Commission intends to seek redress through appropriate media regulatory bodies.
Accusing Newspoint Nigeria of running “a prolonged campaign of blackmail and falsehood”, NAHCON said the outlet had published similar unverified stories over the past year without granting the Commission a right of reply, a move it described as a violation of the Nigerian Press Council Code of Ethics and international journalism standards.
“This obsessive pursuit clearly violates fundamental journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality,” the statement asserted.
The Commission urged the Nigerian public, especially members of the Muslim Ummah, to disregard the Newspoint report and similar publications, reaffirming its commitment to its mandate.
“Our focus remains on serving Nigerian pilgrims, and we shall continue to extend professional cooperation to all responsible media organisations,” the statement concluded.
