President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Jalal Arabi, the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
This decision comes amidst an ongoing probe into allegations of fraudulent overpayments during the 2024 Hajj operations.
According to a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered a total of 314,098 Saudi Riyals from Arabi and other commission members.
The funds were allegedly misappropriated as part of the operational costs for the Hajj pilgrimage. "The chairman fraudulently overpaid himself, the commissioners, secretary, and directors for the 2024 Hajj operational cost," an EFCC source revealed. Arabi, who was appointed in October, found himself in hot water after the Federal Government allocated N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 Hajj.
The EFCC's investigation uncovered that Arabi had received SR50,000 instead of his entitled SR15,929. Similarly, three commissioners received SR40,000 each, far exceeding their entitled SR15,929. The secretary and directors also received inflated amounts.
In light of these revelations, President Tinubu has nominated Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Chairman of NAHCON, pending Senate confirmation.
"Professor Usman is a renowned scholar with qualifications from two Islamic centres of excellence the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan.
He is also well-grounded in Hajj operations, having served as the Chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board," stated Ngelale.
The President expects the new Chairman to discharge his duties with "integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation."
This leadership change aims to restore trust and ensure accountability within NAHCON, underscoring a broader commitment to eradicating corruption in Nigeria.
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