Apex News Exclusive has reaffirmed its allegations against Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan, the former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), regarding an extraordinary N45 billion in extra-budgetary expenditures during the 2025 Hajj. This response comes in light of a legal challenge from Hajj Gazette News, which seeks to discredit the claims.
In a recent statement, Apex News reiterated its commitment to the truth, defending its investigative report detailing Professor Pakistan’s alleged financial improprieties. The article, entitled “2025 Hajj: NAHCON CEO, Abdullahi Pakistan, Defies Tinubu’s Order, Spends N45 Billion Without Approval,” was released on February 4, 2026, as part of a collaborative investigative series that has garnered significant attention.
Legal Confrontation: Apex News vs. Hajj Gazette
The controversy escalated when Hajj Gazette, acting through its legal counsel, AL-ADL Legal Consult, accused Apex News of publishing defamatory content. Barrister R.G. Ibrahim’s letter claimed the report falsely implied that Hajj Gazette operated as a mouthpiece for NAHCON, asserting the magazine’s independence from the commission.
Apex News, represented by Barrister Alkali Adamu Askira of Danyaya Jurist Consult, has categorically denied any libelous intentions. The letter highlighted that the publication was made in the public interest and challenged Hajj Gazette’s legal standing, noting inconsistencies in the representation of its counsel.
The Allegations: A Closer Look
Apex News’s investigation revealed that during the 2025 Hajj operations, Professor Pakistan allegedly authorised expenditures exceeding N45 billion without the necessary approval from President Bola Tinubu. This included approximately $28.08 million spent without the President’s consent, despite an official budget allocation of only $12.9 million for offshore operations.
The report further dissected the financial mismanagement, identifying $7.18 million in extra-budgetary spending across various budget lines and an additional $20.90 million spent on items not included in the approved budget. Such revelations raise serious concerns about financial governance within NAHCON.
Hajj Gazette’s Dilemma: Unraveling the Claims
In response to the allegations, Hajj Gazette’s legal team demanded the immediate retraction of the report, a public apology, and the removal of all defamatory content from digital and printed platforms. They asserted that the claims of financial misconduct were unfounded and served only to tarnish the reputation of an independent media entity.
However, investigations revealed that Hajj Gazette is not officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), raising questions about its legitimacy and independence. Furthermore, the absence of a physical office or verifiable contact details has cast doubt on its operational integrity.
Media Manipulation: The Allegations Persist
Insiders have indicated that Professor Pakistan allegedly funded two online publications, Hajj Chronicles and Hajj Gazette, to rehabilitate his public image amidst the unfolding scandal. These media outlets purportedly operate under his influence, aiming to deflect scrutiny from his administration’s alleged financial misconduct.
Reports have surfaced claiming that these publications were positioned to attack critics, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, thereby creating a narrative that serves Pakistan’s interests. This situation exemplifies the troubling intersection of media and political manipulation, raising ethical questions about journalistic integrity.
The Dark Side of Press Freedom
Apex News has also highlighted alarming trends regarding press freedom within Nigeria, particularly concerning the treatment of journalists investigating corruption within NAHCON. Reports of intimidation and arrests of journalists, including News Point Nigeria’s editor Farouk Abbas, indicate a concerning pattern of suppressing dissenting voices.
The involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in these arrests has heightened fears of a crackdown on free press, further complicating the already fraught relationship between NAHCON and the media.
Calls for Accountability: Stakeholders Demand Action
In light of these revelations, stakeholders within the Hajj sector are demanding thorough investigations into the financial practices of the previous NAHCON administration. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential misappropriation of funds earmarked for various Hajj-related projects, with calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to intervene.
Prominent figures, including former NAHCON officials, are under scrutiny for their roles in allegedly squandering resources meant for the Nigerian Hajj Institute and related initiatives. The need for accountability and transparency in NAHCON’s operations has never been more critical.
Conclusion: The Quest for Truth Continues
As the legal battle unfolds between Apex News and Hajj Gazette, the stakes are high for both parties. The allegations against Professor Abdullahi Saleh Pakistan represent not only a potential financial scandal but also a broader commentary on governance and media ethics in Nigeria.
The pursuit of truth in this matter is essential, as it has implications for public trust in both the media and governmental institutions. With calls for investigations and heightened scrutiny, the outcome of this controversy may well set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s Hajj administration and beyond.
Apex News remains steadfast in its commitment to investigative journalism, asserting that the public has a right to know how funds are managed, especially in institutions charged with overseeing significant national events like the Hajj. As this story develops, the implications for all stakeholders involved will unfold, underscoring the critical importance of transparency and ethical governance in Nigeria.
