Crime

ICPC Raids NAHCON Office Over Alleged N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy Fraud, Director Arrested

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 10th, 2024.

ICPC Raids NAHCON Office Over Alleged N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy Fraud, Director Arrested

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has conducted a raid on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) headquarters in Abuja, investigating alleged mismanagement of the N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 hajj.

Sources indicate that ICPC operatives targeted key departments, including the office of the CEO, finance, and procurement, disrupting operations for several hours. The raid has intensified scrutiny over how the N90 billion subsidy was handled.

The anti-graft agency detained NAHCON’s director of procurement for further questioning, according to an anonymous source. ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the visit, describing it as part of a routine investigation. Bakare noted that the operation followed the failure of some NAHCON officials to respond to ICPC’s requests for information.

“We are investigating the National Hajj Commission due to their non-compliance with our invitations. We did not shut down the Commission; ICPC acts within the bounds of the law,” Bakare stated.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has previously questioned NAHCON Chairman and CEO Mal. Jalal Ahmad Arabi regarding the controversial subsidy. This investigation was prompted by multiple complaints about the management of services during the 2024 hajj and the use of the federal government’s financial support.

In response, NAHCON has defended its management of the subsidy, explaining that over N1.6 million was distributed to more than 50,000 pilgrims and officials to mitigate the impact of fluctuating exchange rates.