The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, are currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to allegations of mismanaging the N90 billion 2024 Hajj subsidy. According to a document obtained by The PUNCH, the EFCC has recovered a total of SR314,098 from Arabi and other high-ranking officials.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Arabi fraudulently overpaid himself and others for operational costs from the N90 billion subsidy. The approved operational costs for the 2024 Hajj budget were stipulated as follows:
- Chairman/CEO: $4,250
- Commissioners: $12,750
- Secretary: $3,825
- Directors/Chief of Staff: $15,300
However, the EFCC alleged that Arabi exceeded these approved amounts, paying himself and others more than the stipulated costs. This action is considered fraudulent and has led to the duo’s detention by the EFCC.
The EFCC’s investigation and recovery of funds suggest a misuse of public funds meant for the Hajj subsidy. The allegations against Arabi and Kontagora highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, especially in sensitive programs like the Hajj subsidy.
The EFCC has alleged that Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), fraudulently overpaid himself and others for operational costs from the N90 billion Hajj subsidy. According to documents, Arabi received SR50,000 instead of the approved SR15,929, while commissioners received SR40,000 instead of SR15,929. The secretary received SR30,000 instead of SR14,336, and directors/chief of staff received SR30,000 instead of SR2,550.
The EFCC recovered a total of SR314,098 from Arabi and others. Arabi was first questioned on July 29 and released on bail but was detained again on Wednesday for further questioning. The EFCC source confirmed that Arabi and the secretary are in custody, facing interrogation over the N90 billion subsidy and other allegations.
Additionally, a document revealed that SR8,614,175.27 of the N90 billion released by the Federal Government to NAHCON is unaccounted for. This raises concerns about the mismanagement of funds meant for the Hajj subsidy. The EFCC’s investigation and arrests indicate a widespread probe into the alleged corruption within NAHCON.
