Following allegations of illegal withdrawal and mismanagement of the N90bn 2024 Hajj intervention fund, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has granted bail to Jalal Arabi, the dismissed chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora.
After spending five days in EFCC custody due to failure to meet their bail conditions, Arabi and Kontagora have now been released, as confirmed by a reliable source on Wednesday.
The source disclosed that the duo met their bail requirements and were freed on Monday, with no additional funds recovered beyond the initial 314,098 Saudi Riyals.
Speaking on the matter, the source stated, “The former Hajj Commission chairman and secretary have met their bail conditions and have been released on Monday. The investigation is still ongoing with no new recoveries besides the initial one.”
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments have been unsuccessful, as he has not responded to calls or messages regarding the situation.
In a report on August 15, NewsNow highlighted that the EFCC’s investigation uncovered fraudulent activities related to operational costs within the N90bn Hajj subsidy, with Arabi allegedly making excessive payments to himself and others.
The ongoing probe has so far led to the recovery of 314,098 Saudi Riyals from Arabi and associates, as documented by the anti-graft agency.
Documents suggest unaccounted cash withdrawals totaling SR 8,614,175.27 by NAHCON, raising concerns over financial discrepancies and misuse of funds.
Apart from the Hajj intervention fund scrutiny, investigations into NAHCON’s operations since 2022 have exposed irregularities, including improper payments and fraudulent activities.
President Bola Tinubu took action amidst the EFCC’s inquiries by dismissing Arabi on August 19 and appointing Prof Abdullahi Usman as his successor.
The EFCC continues to delve deeper into the allegations of financial misconduct within the Hajj Commission, striving to uncover the truth behind the questionable financial transactions and operations.