The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of some top officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over alleged mismanagement of the N90 billion intervention for the 2024 hajj.
The ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare revealed this to News360 Nigeria gathered during a telephone conversation on Friday morning, saying the arrest was necessitated because the suspects failed to honour the agency’s earlier invitation.
He said ICPC operatives visited the commission’s office in Abuja on Wednesday and arrested all the officials who refused to honour the previous invitation to answer questions regarding the N90 billion hajj subsidy scam, according to reports.
Demola Bakare said: “It is true we arrested the Director of Finance. Initially, we invited them, but they refused to come, that was why we went there to make the arrest. We did not shut down the office as speculated. We arrested the people who did not turn up.
“I would not be able to mention their names, that would amount to a media trial. One of the people that we arrested is the Director of Finance.”
Bakare revealed further that the anti-graft agency had released on bail the suspects arrested in connection with the corruption allegations against the Hajj Commission. However, they are required to regularly report to the agency as the investigation into the corruption allegations continues.
He added, “No, they are not with the ICPC, they have been admitted on bail. But the investigation continues. If they refuse to come (honour subsequent invitation), we will arrest people that stood as their sureties.”
Recall that In July, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission also interrogated the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, over alleged misappropriation of funds.
