BREAKING NEWS : EFCC Investigates NAHCON’s N90 Billion Subsidy, Invites Chairman
By Gambo Jagindi
July 30, 2024
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, to its headquarters in Abuja.
Arabi is expected to explain how the commission spent the N90 billion subsidy provided for the 2024 Hajj exercise. He will also provide detailed information on the sharing of thousands of dollars allocated to NAHCON for pilgrims.
The EFCC is investigating a series of petitions against Arabi and NAHCON, alleging Financial irregularities and maltreatment of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia during the 2024 Hajj exercise.
EFCC sources confirm that the agency is committed to tackling financial crimes and fraud, regardless of religious or tribal affiliations.
“We’re doing our job as prescribed in law…what is important for us is to tame financial crimes and other fraudulent activities in our society,” said an EFCC source.
Arabi will face EFCC’s crack detectives to provide explanations on the allegations and financial transactions.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has demanded the scrapping of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) due to its handling of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Bago’s call for abolition comes after:
– Inadequate space allocation for Tent A pilgrims from Nigeria, including state governors and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.
– Alleged poor organization and logistics during the pilgrimage.
The governor has vowed to lead the charge for NAHCON’s abolition, citing the commission’s failure to provide adequate services for Nigerian pilgrims.
This development adds to the growing scrutiny of NAHCON’s activities, including the EFCC’s investigation into its financial transactions and alleged maltreatment of pilgrims. (Aluta News)