BREAKING: Tinubu sacks Jalal Arabi as NAHCON chairman, announces replacement

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi from his position as Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The announcement was made by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, who also revealed that Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been appointed as the new Chairman.

Professor Usman is described as a distinguished scholar with degrees from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University in Pakistan.

He is noted for his expertise in Hajj operations, having previously served as the Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he managed the largest quota of state pilgrims in Nigeria.

The appointment is pending Senate confirmation.

President Tinubu has expressed expectations that the new Chairman will uphold integrity, transparency, and dedication to the nation.

Arabi’s dismissal follows issues related to the 2024 Hajj, for which the Federal Government allocated N90 billion in subsidies. Arabi and NAHCON’s Secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial misconduct.

An EFCC source reported that SR314,098 was recovered from Arabi, who had allegedly overpaid himself, the commissioners, the secretary, and directors for the operational costs of the Hajj.

Specifically, Arabi received SR50,000 instead of SR15,929, three commissioners received SR40,000 each instead of SR15,929, the secretary received SR30,000 instead of SR14,336, and the directors/Chief of Staff received SR30,000 each instead of SR2,550.