Several top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have been arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of mismanagement or diversion of the N90 billion released by the Federal Government to subsidize the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The arrests occurred at their offices after the officials failed to respond to earlier invitations from the ICPC, prompting the anti-graft agency to take more direct action.
According to a source within the commission, the detained officials were taken to the ICPC headquarters, where they were subjected to extensive interrogation regarding the N90 billion subsidy intended to ease the financial burden on pilgrims. The questioning focused on how the funds were managed and whether there were any instances of diversion or misappropriation. The ICPC’s actions highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds, particularly in matters as sensitive as religious pilgrimages.
The investigation into the alleged financial misconduct is ongoing, with the ICPC aiming to uncover the full extent of any irregularities related to the Hajj subsidy. This development serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to adhere to financial regulations and the serious repercussions for those found to be involved in corrupt practices. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the future operations of NAHCON and the oversight of government subsidies.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because they lacked official permission to speak to journalists, the source said, “On Wednesday some of our men were at the Hajji commission’s office to bring some officials to our office. We invited these officials but they didn’t show up. They were interrogated upon their arrival at the commission’s office. The officials are being investigated following petitions against them as regards the subsidy for pilgrims.”
Commissioner of Police arrives at Ojota Park during the protest #endbadgovernanceinnigeria | Punch0.00 / 0.00
When contacted, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Demola Bakare, on Sunday confirmed that the officials were brought to the ICPC’s office.
He added that they had since been released after meeting their bail conditions.
Bakare said, “Yes, they were in our office; they were released after granting them bail and met their bail conditions. They are top officials but their chairman is not included, please. Investigations continue.”
Bakare, however, denied that the ICPC shut down NAHCON office.
“We didn’t shut down the commission as being speculated. We only went there for officials who failed to honour our invitation,” he said.
The arrest of the official of the commission came days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Tuesday, interrogated NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, over alleged mismanagement of the N90bn 2024 Hajj subsidy.
Following the alarm raised by the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, the National Assembly had opened a probe of NAHCON over the alleged misuse of the N90bn Hajj subsidy.
However, addressing a post-Hajj press conference in Abuja on July 29, Arabi insisted that the funds were transparently utilised, dismissing insinuations of corruption.
“Each pilgrim was supported with N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn except for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme who enjoyed more. Hence, all registered intending pilgrims, except those on HSS, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87 since the N90bn was not sufficient to make up for the balance,” Arabi maintained.
