Malam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), was interrogated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday regarding the alleged mishandling of funds allocated for this year’s Hajj exercise. The inquiry is centered on the utilization of a N90 billion grant provided for the project.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Arabi appeared at the EFCC headquarters to respond to questions concerning the commission’s financial management. Petitions filed against NAHCON’s chairman and management have prompted the investigation, which is focused on allegations of financial mismanagement related to this year’s Hajj.
A source within the commission revealed that Arabi was invited to provide detailed explanations on how the N90 billion earmarked for the pilgrims was utilized.
“The NAHCON chairman has been invited, and our ace investigators are questioning him to get answers on a few matters that almost seem to involve accusations of financial mismanagement within the commission,” the source stated.
This investigation, ongoing since 2021, is also looking into a suspected misappropriation of N200 million. Several commission officials, including three directors which are Director of procurement, Director of finance and Director of programs have been called to testify and clarify the commission’s funding allocation. The probe underscores the increasing complexity of the commission’s fraud issues.
An insider noted that the chairman might not be detained indefinitely, emphasizing his cooperation with the investigation. “He may not be detained but will be asked to come back if the need be at the end of the day, but presently, he is still being interrogated,” the insider said.
The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed to NAN that further information regarding the invitation would be provided. As of the time of this report, Oyewale had not yet followed up.
In a press conference on Monday, Arabi provided an account of the commission’s use of the N90 billion subsidy. He explained that each pilgrim received N1,637,369.87 from the grant, except for those participating in the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), who benefited more. Arabi highlighted the challenges in distributing the funds fairly to ensure that registered pilgrims did not have to spend more than N4.9 million.
The EFCC’s investigation will continue until the actual purpose of the funds allocated to NAHCON is determined. The commission remains committed to operating in accordance with international best practices, ensuring transparency and accountability in its processes.
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