N90Bn Alleged Fraud: Tinubu Sacks NAHCON Chairman, Appoints New Head

In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu on Monday removed Jalal Arabi as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as his successor.

The announcement was made by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, shortly after Tinubu’s departure for France.

According to Ngelale, Professor Usman, a distinguished scholar with credentials from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan, brings extensive experience in Hajj operations to his new role.

He previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, successfully overseeing the largest state pilgrims’ quota in the country.

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Recall, that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Arabi, and his secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, over allegations of mismanaging the N90 billion 2024 Hajj intervention fund.

The anti-graft agency said it recovered a total of SR314,098 from Arabi and other top officials of the commission.

Investigations revealed that Arabi and his associates fraudulently inflated operational costs and siphoned off funds from the Hajj subsidy.

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However, the appointment is pending Senate confirmation. President Tinubu expects the new NAHCON Chairman to demonstrate integrity, transparency, and dedication to the nation in his duties.”