The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, has arrested some top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over alleged mismanagement of the ninety-billion-naira Federal Government 2024 Hajj subsidy.
Spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Demola Bakare, who confirmed the arrest, said the officials had been released after meeting their bail conditions.
Bakare clarified that ICPC did not shut down the commission as being speculated, adding that only those who failed to honour invitation were arrested.
The arrest of the official of the commission came days after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, interrogated NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Arabi, over alleged mismanagement of the N90bn 2024 Hajj subsidy.
However, addressing a post-Hajj press conference in Abuja, Arabi insisted that the funds were transparently utilised, dismissing insinuations of corruption.
Arabi maintained that each pilgrim was supported with N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn except for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme who enjoyed more. Hence, all registered intending pilgrims, except those on HSS, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87 since the N90bn was not sufficient to make up for the balance,” .