The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has apprehended several high-ranking officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria due to suspicions of mismanagement or diversion of the N90bn designated by the Federal Government for subsidizing the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Following their repeated failure to respond to previous invitations from the ICPC, these officials were taken into custody in their offices and escorted to the anti-graft agency’s headquarters.
Upon arrival at the anti-graft agency’s office, the officials underwent extensive interrogation concerning the N90bn subsidy allocated for pilgrims.
A source within the commission, preferring to remain anonymous due to lacking official authorization to interact with the media, disclosed, “Our team visited the Hajj commission’s office on Wednesday to escort certain officials to our headquarters. Despite our invitations, they failed to appear. Upon reaching our office, they were subjected to questioning regarding petitions related to pilgrim subsidies.”
The spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Demola Bakare, when contacted on Sunday, confirmed the officials’ presence at the ICPC’s office.
After meeting the requirements for bail, the officials were subsequently released.
Bakare affirmed, “Yes, they visited our office, met the bail conditions, and were released. These individuals hold significant positions, with the exclusion of their chairman. The investigations are ongoing.”
In contrast, Bakare refuted claims that the ICPC had closed down the NAHCON office.
“We did not shut down the commission, as rumors suggest. Our visit was solely targeted at officials who disregarded our summons,” he clarified.
The apprehension of these commission officials occurred shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission interrogated NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, on Tuesday, regarding the alleged mismanagement of the N90bn 2024 Hajj subsidy.
In response to concerns raised by Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, the National Assembly initiated an investigation into NAHCON’s suspected misappropriation of the N90bn Hajj subsidy.
Presenting at a post-Hajj press briefing in Abuja on July 29, Arabi emphasized that the funds had been transparently utilized, dismissing any corruption allegations.
Arabi maintained, “Each pilgrim received support amounting to N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received additional benefits. Consequently, all registered potential pilgrims, except HSS participants, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87 due to the insufficiency of the N90bn to cover the full cost.”