Alleged N90bn fraud: EFCC releases former NAHCON chairman, secretary on bail

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released Jalal Arabi, the recently dismissed chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, on bail.

The two were detained over allegations of illegal withdrawal and mismanagement of the N90 billion 2024 Hajj intervention fund.

Arabi and Kontagora had remained in EFCC custody for five days after failing to meet their initial bail conditions. However, a source close to the matter confirmed that they were released on Monday after finally meeting the required conditions.

The investigation is still ongoing, with no additional recoveries made beyond the earlier recovery of 314,098 Saudi Riyal. The source stated, “The former Hajj Commission chairman and the secretary have been released, and the investigation is still ongoing. They were released on Monday after meeting their bail conditions. Nothing yet on the matter. No other recoveries except for the earlier ones.”

Efforts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for further comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.

The case involves allegations that Arabi and others fraudulently overpaid themselves from the N90 billion Hajj subsidy. According to an investigation by the EFCC, 8,614,175.27 Saudi Riyal in cash withdrawals remains unaccounted for by NAHCON. In addition to this, the investigation uncovered fraudulent payments to staff for study tours that never took place and payments to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd for services that were not rendered.

The probe has already led to the recovery of 314,098 Saudi Riyal from Arabi and others. Furthermore, documents regarding payments for consultancy services were allegedly backdated to facilitate a payment of SAR 780,019.59 to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd in April 2024. Arabi reportedly confessed that the consultant did not render any services.

In the wake of the ongoing investigation, President Bola Tinubu dismissed Arabi on August 19, appointing Professor Abdullahi Usman as the new chairman of NAHCON. The EFCC continues its investigation into the alleged financial mismanagement within the commission.