The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has confirmed the arrest of some officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), over the N90 billion hajj subsidy.
According to TheCable, Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, confirmed an ongoing investigation into activities of the NAHCON, as well as the arrests which he said took on Wednesday, for “refusing to honour an invitation” by the anti-graft agency.
According to the newspaper, Bakare rejected reports that NAHCON’s office was shut down by the ICPC, emphasising that the commission operates within legal boundaries.
He declined to name the arrested officials but noting that they were assisting the commission with useful 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,” he said.
“We didn’t shut down the commission as reported by some journalists. ICPC operates within the confines of the law.
“Officials arrested, which I can’t name, were released on bail and would henceforth be helping the investigation process until concluded.”
