The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged mismanagement of the N90bn released by the Federal Government to subsidize the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
According to a source at the commission, the officials were invited for questioning but failed to honor the invitation, leading to their arrest and interrogation at the ICPC office. The officials were later released on bail after meeting their bail conditions.
The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations are ongoing. He also denied that the ICPC shut down NAHCON’s office, clarifying that only the officials who failed to honor the invitation were brought in for questioning.
This development comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogated NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, over alleged mismanagement of the same N90bn subsidy. The National Assembly has also opened a probe into NAHCON’s handling of the funds.
NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, had earlier maintained that the funds were transparently utilized, dismissing insinuations of corruption. He explained that each pilgrim received a subsidy of N1,637,369.87, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received more.