ICPC Arrests Top Officials of Hajj Commission Over N90 Billion Subsidy Scam
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of several top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in connection with the alleged mismanagement of a N90 billion intervention fund for the 2024 Hajj.
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, disclosed the arrest during a phone interview with SaharaReporters on Friday morning. According to Bakare, the arrests were made after the officials failed to honor an earlier invitation by the agency to address the corruption allegations.
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“It is true we arrested the Director of Finance. Initially, we invited them, but they refused to come, which is why we went there to make the arrest. We did not shut down the office as speculated; we only arrested the people who did not turn up,” Bakare explained, noting that one of the arrested individuals is the Director of Finance at NAHCON.
Bakare further revealed that the arrested officials have since been released on bail but are required to report regularly to the ICPC as the investigation continues. He warned that if the suspects fail to comply with future invitations, the agency would take action against those who stood as their sureties.
This development follows a similar probe in July, when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned the Chairman of NAHCON, Jalal Arabi, over allegations of fund misappropriation. The ICPC’s ongoing investigation highlights the intensifying scrutiny over the management of the Hajj subsidy fund.
Source: Sahara Reporter
https://saharareporters.com/2024/08/09/n90billion-hajj-subsidy-fund-nigerian-anti-corruption-body-icpc-grills-finance-director
