By Ezekiel David
The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, along with the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, have been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of mismanaging the N90 billion allocated for the 2024 Hajj subsidy, the PUNCH has reported.
According to a document reviewed by the paper, the EFCC disclosed that a total of SR314,098 had been recovered from the NAHCON chairman and other senior officials. The investigation revealed that from the N90 billion Hajj subsidy, Arabi allegedly overpaid himself and others beyond the sanctioned operational costs.
The document further disclosed the approved 2024 Hajj operational costs for various officials: $4,250 for the Chairman/CEO, $12,750 for Commissioners, $3,825 for the Secretary, and $15,300 for Directors/Chief of Staff. However, the EFCC claims that these figures were inflated, with the chairman receiving SR50,000 instead of SR15,929, and other officials similarly overcompensated. The total amount recovered from these overpayments was SR314,098.
Arabi was initially questioned by the EFCC on July 29 and was released on bail. However, last Wednesday, he and other top officials were re-arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over similar allegations. On Wednesday, an EFCC source confirmed that Arabi and Kontagora were again taken into custody for further interrogation regarding the N90 billion subsidy and other related accusations.
A document obtained by the correspondent also revealed that SR8,614,175.27, withdrawn in cash from the N90 billion allocated by the Federal Government, remains unaccounted for by NAHCON.
The financial activities were described in detail in the paper. It was noted that N1.76 billion was withheld by the Central Bank of Nigeria as bank charges, and the remaining N88.2 billion was converted into USD before being sent to NAHCON’s British SAAB account in Saudi Arabia.
The earnings of unmet services have also been recovered as a consequence of the 2022 probe into NAHCON’s practices. They include remuneration for employees who declined study excursions and salary paid to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd.
The paper made clear that the chairman had acknowledged the consultant had not rendered any services, and that the permission for these payments had been falsely backdated, resulting in the recovery of more money.
The investigation continues as authorities scrutinize the financial activities of NAHCON, with further actions expected based on the findings.