The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, are currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N90 billion allocated for the 2024 Hajj operations.
According to sources within the EFCC, the agency has uncovered significant financial irregularities, including the recovery of SR314,098 (equivalent to over N120 million) from Arabi and other senior officials. These funds were reportedly obtained through the overpayment of allowances, far exceeding the approved operational budget.
The investigation revealed that Arabi was entitled to SR15,929 but paid himself SR50,000. Similarly, three commissioners, each supposed to receive SR15,929, were instead paid SR40,000. The commission’s secretary received SR30,000, well above the approved SR14,336, while directors and the Chief of Staff received SR30,000, surpassing their entitlement of SR2,550.
The EFCC first questioned Arabi on July 29, releasing him on bail after several hours of interrogation. However, he and Kontagora were re-arrested on Wednesday for further questioning regarding the alleged misuse of the Hajj subsidy and other financial discrepancies.
In addition to the overpayments, the EFCC has raised concerns over an unaccounted cash withdrawal of SR8,614,175.27 from the N90 billion fund. The agency is also investigating other financial irregularities within NAHCON, including funds paid for study tours that were not conducted and payments made to companies for services that were never rendered.
The ongoing investigation underscores the EFCC’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for the mismanagement of public funds, with further actions expected as the probe continues.
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