Crime

President Tinubu Dismisses NAHCON Chairman Amid Investigation for Corruption

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 20th, 2024.

President Tinubu Dismisses NAHCON Chairman Amid Investigation for Corruption

President Bola Tinubu has removed Jalal Arabi from his position as Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

In an announcement, Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale revealed that Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been appointed as the new Chairman of NAHCON. Professor Usman, a distinguished academic with credentials from both the University of Madinah and Peshawar University in Pakistan, brings extensive experience in Hajj operations. He previously led the Kano State Pilgrims Board, overseeing the management of the largest state pilgrimage quota in Nigeria.

This appointment is pending Senate approval. The President anticipates that Professor Usman will carry out his responsibilities with integrity, transparency, and dedication to the nation.

Jalal Arabi, who was appointed in October, faced controversy related to the 2024 Hajj, for which the Federal Government allocated N90 billion in subsidies. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Arabi and NAHCON’s Secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, in connection with the matter.

An EFCC insider reported that a total of 314,098 Saudi Riyals was recovered from Arabi. The investigation revealed that Arabi had fraudulently overpaid himself, commissioners, the secretary, and directors for the 2024 Hajj operational costs. Specifically, Arabi was found to have received SR50,000 instead of SR15,929, while commissioners received SR40,000 each instead of SR15,929, and the secretary was paid SR30,000 instead of SR14,336. Directors and the Chief of Staff were paid SR30,000 each instead o

f SR2,550.