The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday interrogated Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over allegations of mismanagement related to the 2024 Hajj exercise funds and other financial irregularities.
Arabi arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 10 a.m. and underwent hours of questioning by EFCC investigators. According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the questioning was triggered by multiple petitions filed against Arabi.
“He was invited to explain how his commission utilised the N90bn subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise,” the source disclosed. “The allegations he was asked to respond to date back to 2021, extending beyond just the recent Hajj exercise.”
The insider added that three other directors from NAHCON—Director of Procurement, Director of Finance, and Director of Programmes—have also been summoned to clarify their roles in the matter.
Regarding Arabi’s potential detention, the source indicated that the EFCC might not detain him. “He may not be detained but will be asked to return if needed. The new EFCC operates according to international best practices, allowing compliant individuals to leave after questioning.”
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated he would provide further information but had not done so by the time of reporting.
In a post-Hajj press conference on Monday, Arabi defended the transparent use of the N90bn subsidy. “Each pilgrim was supported with N1,637,369.87 from the subsidy, except those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received more. All registered intending pilgrims, aside from those on HSS, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87,” he explained.
The controversy surrounding the subsidy intensified in June when Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago called on the National Assembly to probe the N90bn subsidy, criticising NAHCON’s performance. “It is ridiculous that pilgrims were given only $400 for 40 days despite each paying N8m. The subsidy could have made a greater impact if distributed among the states,” Bago stated.
On June 11, the House of Representatives resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate NAHCON’s conduct during the 2024 Hajj. The motion, moved by Mohammed Bio, highlighted the poor treatment and inadequate care of the 50,865 Nigerian pilgrims under NAHCON’s care.
Bio emphasised the significance of the Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, noting the disappointment of many pilgrims in terms of welfare, organisation, and monitoring.
