The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of certain officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in connection with a ₦90 billion hajj subsidy investigation. ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare revealed to TheCable that these NAHCON officials were apprehended on Wednesday due to their failure to respond to an invitation from the anti-corruption agency.
Bakare clarified that contrary to some media reports, the ICPC did not shut down NAHCON’s office and operates strictly within legal parameters. He refrained from disclosing the identities of the arrested individuals but mentioned that they are providing the commission with valuable information.
“We are investigating officials of the National Hajj Commission because they either failed or refused to honour the invitation. We therefore paid them a friendly visit,” Bakare explained. He further emphasized that the officials, who cannot be named at this time, were released on bail and are now cooperating with the investigation.
NAHCON spokesperson Fatimah Usara also commented on the situation, stating that it is not uncommon for officials to be questioned following hajj operations. She noted that several staff members had already been presenting information to the ICPC as required.
Usara elaborated, “The Head of Procurement had received an invitation, which he did not respond to. As a result, on Wednesday, ICPC officers visited him at his workplace. NAHCON even accommodated the officers while they waited for him to arrive. When he did, they left together. No offices were entered; the officers waited outside.”