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.”