The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it is currently investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in relation to the N90 billion Hajj subsidy.
ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare disclosed that several NAHCON officials were taken into custody on Wednesday for allegedly not responding to an invitation from the anti-graft agency. He clarified that, contrary to some media reports, the ICPC did not shut down NAHCON’s offices. Bakare emphasized that the commission is operating within legal boundaries. The detained officials, whose identities have not been disclosed, are cooperating with the investigation and have been released on bail.
Bakare explained: “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 continue to assist with the investigation process until it is concluded.”
In response, Fatimah Usara, the spokesperson for NAHCON, minimized the situation, describing it as part of routine scrutiny that follows each Hajj season.
“Some of the commission’s relevant staff had been making presentations to the ICPC when demanded,” Usara said. “This is a normal procedure after every Hajj season to clear any doubts. It’s nothing new.”
Usara further clarified that the ICPC’s visit was specifically due to the Head of Procurement, who had been invited but did not report as required. This prompted the ICPC to visit NAHCON’s office to ensure compliance.
“In fact, NAHCON accommodated them to wait for him to report to work, which they did. And when he came, they left together. No one entered any office at all. They waited outside,” Usara added.
This investigation follows comments made in July by NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi, who stated that the N90 billion fund approved by President Bola Tinubu for the 2024 Hajj was utilized to subsidize pilgrims’ fares.
That same month, Arabi was also invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of a separate inquiry into the utilization of the approved funds.
