ICPC Investigates NAHCON Over N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) concerning the N90 billion Hajj subsidy.

According to TheCable, ICPC spokeswoman Demola Bakare revealed that several NAHCON officials were detained on Wednesday due to their failure to respond to the ICPC's invitation. Bakare clarified that the ICPC did not close NAHCON's offices, contrary to some media reports. The detained officials, whose identities have not been disclosed, have been released on bail and are cooperating with the investigation.

Bakare stated, “We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honor the invitation. We, therefore, paid them a friendly visit. We didn’t shut down the commission as reported by some journalists. ICPC operates within the confines of the law. Officials arrested, which I can’t name, were released on bail and will assist in the investigation until it is concluded.”

NAHCON spokesperson Fatimah Usara downplayed the incident, stating that routine examinations of the commission's procedures follow each Hajj season. She noted that relevant staff had been presenting information to the ICPC as required.

Usara explained, “The individual who was invited by the ICPC but failed to attend was the Head of Procurement. The agency was invited to NAHCON's office to verify compliance. The officials waited outside the office until he arrived and then left together.”

This investigation follows remarks by NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi in July, who claimed that the N90 billion budget, allocated by President Bola Tinubu for the 2024 Hajj, subsidized pilgrims' tickets. Arabi was also invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning regarding the use of the authorized funds.