Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has interrogated the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, regarding alleged mismanagement of funds, including the N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Gatekeepers News reports that Arabi was questioned for hours at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Punch’s source, the invitation was prompted by petitions filed against Arabi and his management team, alleging mismanagement of funds and the 2024 Hajj exercise.
“He was invited to the commission’s office to explain how his commission spent the N90bn subsidy provided for the 2024 hajj exercise,” the source stated.
The EFCC’s investigation into NAHCON’s handling of the Hajj subsidy has been ongoing, with Arabi maintaining that the funds were transparently utilised.
At a post-Hajj press conference, Arabi stated, “Each pilgrim was supported with N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn except for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme who enjoyed more.”
However, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has called for a probe into the N90 billion subsidy, describing NAHCON’s performance as a failure.
Bago noted, “The N90bn subsidy paid by the Federal government for the Hajj operation…it is ridiculous that pilgrims were given only $400 to take care of themselves for about 40 days despite the payment of N8m by each pilgrim.”
The House of Representatives has also resolved to investigate NAHCON over the conduct of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. Three directors from NAHCON have been invited to explain their knowledge of the issue.
