On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) questioned Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
He was interrogated about the alleged mishandling of the ₦90 billion subsidy for the 2024 hajj.
Arabi arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 10:00 a.m. and faced questioning for several hours.
Sources say his questioning followed petitions accusing him of financial mismanagement related to the 2024 hajj.
Hajj Commission Chair Summoned
The source said: “He was invited to the commission’s office to explain how his commission spent the ₦90 billion subsidy provided for the 2024 hajj exercise.
“His invitation was a result of the petitions against the chairman and his management team to our office over the alleged mismanagement of funds in the commission, and the 2024 hajj exercise among others”.
The issues under investigation reportedly date back to 2021.
Additionally, three directors from the commission – the Director of Procurement, Director of Finance, and Director of Program – have also been invited to provide information.
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The source suggested that Arabi is unlikely to be detained but may be asked to return if needed.
The EFCC approach aligns with international best practices, allowing invited individuals to leave if they cooperate.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale was contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of this report.
Pilgrims Fare Subsidy
Meanwhile, Arabi had on Monday, July 29, said the ₦90 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu was used to subsidise the fare of pilgrims.
He was quoted as saying that “each pilgrim was supported with ₦1,637,369.87 from the ₦90bn 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 ₦1,918,094.87 since the ₦90bn was not sufficient to make up for the balance.
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