The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Jalal Arabi, the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Abdullahi Kontagora, the commission’s Secretary, over allegations of mismanaging a N90 billion Hajj subsidy allocated for the 2024 pilgrimage.
The two officials are under investigation for potential financial irregularities and abuse of office related to the subsidy, which was intended to ease the financial burden on Nigerian pilgrims.
According to sources within the EFCC, preliminary findings suggest that the subsidy funds were mishandled, raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of NAHCON’s leadership.
Documents obtained by the commission revealed that a total of SR314,098 (Saudi Riyal) was recovered from Arabi and other high-ranking officials after they allegedly overpaid themselves beyond the authorized operational costs.
The EFCC’s investigation highlighted discrepancies in the payments made to NAHCON officials. For instance, Arabi, who was entitled to SR15,929, reportedly received SR50,000.
Similarly, three commissioners who were each supposed to receive SR15,929 were paid SR40,000 each. The secretary received SR30,000 instead of SR14,336, and the Directors/Chief of Staff were paid SR30,000 instead of SR2,550.
The investigation also uncovered that SR8,614,175.27 in cash withdrawals from the N90 billion subsidy remained unaccounted for by NAHCON. The funds were converted into Saudi Riyal and transferred to NAHCON’s British SAAB Account in Saudi Arabia. However, a significant portion of the funds, expected to be used for services and allowances during the Hajj operations, was withdrawn in cash but not properly accounted for.
The EFCC’s inquiry into the commission’s activities, dating back to 2022, led to the recovery of funds that were paid as estacodes to staff who did not participate in study tours, as well as payments made to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd for services that were never rendered.
Additionally, fraudulent backdating of payment approvals for consultancy services was uncovered, resulting in the recovery of SR1,026,000 from one Eastern Gulf Company in Saudi Arabia.
Arabi was initially questioned by the EFCC on July 29 and released on bail. However, both he and Kontagora were detained again for further questioning as the investigation into the mismanagement of the Hajj subsidy continues.
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The EFCC’s actions underscore the agency’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for the misuse of public funds, particularly in matters of significant national interest such as the Hajj operations.
