Nigeria News

NAHCON officials arrested by ICPC over alleged ₦90 billion hajj fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of several officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in connection with the ₦90 billion hajj subsidy.

Demola Bakare, the ICPC spokesperson, informed TheCable that these officials were detained on Wednesday for “refusing to honour an invitation” from the anti-graft agency.

Bakare refuted reports that the ICPC had shut down NAHCON’s office, stressing that the commission operates strictly within legal boundaries. He declined to reveal the names of the arrested individuals, noting that they are currently assisting with the investigation.

“We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honour the invitation. As a result, we paid them a friendly visit,” Bakare said. “We didn’t shut down the commission as reported by some journalists. ICPC operates within the confines of the law. The officials arrested, whom I won’t name, were released on bail and will continue to assist in the investigation until it is concluded.”

Fatimah Usara, NAHCON’s spokesperson, addressed the arrests, stating that it is not unusual for officials to be questioned following hajj operations.

“Some of the commission’s relevant staff had been making presentations to the ICPC when requested, which is considered normal since it occurs after every hajj until any doubts are cleared. It’s nothing new,” Usara said. “The Head of Procurement had an invitation he didn’t honour, so two days ago, on Wednesday, the ICPC sent officers to meet with him. NAHCON accommodated the officers as they waited for him to arrive at work, after which they left together. No one entered any office; they waited outside.”

Ameh Jazzia-Becky

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

19 hours ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

19 hours ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

19 hours ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

19 hours ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

19 hours ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

20 hours ago