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N90bn fraud: Ex-Hajj Commission chairman released from EFCC detention
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N90bn fraud: Ex-Hajj Commission chairman released from EFCC detention
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the sacked chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontagora, on bail.
Arabi and Kontagora were detained for allegedly illicit withdrawals and misuse of the N90 billion 2024 Hajj intervention fund.
They were, however, unable to meet their bail conditions and remained in EFCC detention for five days.
However, speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, a source acquainted with the case indicated that Arabi and Kontagora had met their bail conditions.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that Arabi fraudulently paid himself and others for operating expenditures using the N90 billion Hajj subsidy.
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The anti-graft agency also stated that it has recovered 314,098 Saudi Riyals from Arabi and others as part of the continuing investigation.
“The total sum of SR 8,614,175.27 cash withdrawal is yet to be accounted for by NAHCON,” a document sighted by our correspondent stated.
Apart from the Hajj intervention fund, an examination of the commission’s actions since 2022 resulted in the recovery of estacodes paid to workers who did not participate in study tours, as well as payments made to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd. for services that were not provided.
Furthermore, documentation for payment of the consultant services, including the Executive Chairman’s consent, was illegally backdated to January 23, 2024, allowing the payment of SAR 780, 019, 59 to Shuraka’a al-Khair Group Ltd. on April 14, 2024.
“The first suspect, Jalal Arabi, confessed that the consultant did not render any services,“ the EFCC alleged.
However, amid the EFCC investigation, President Bola Tinubu fired Arabi on August 19 and selected Prof. Abdullahi Usman as his replacement.
N90bn fraud: Ex-Hajj Commission chairman released from EFCC detention
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Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
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Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
In Adamawa State, 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal has been arrested by the Nigeria Police for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.
The arrest took place on September 11, 2024, according to a statement from the state police command.
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Public Relations Officer Suleiman Nguroje confirmed that Auwal has confessed to the crime.
The police are now preparing to charge him in court. The case has sparked significant concern, highlighting the serious issue of sexual assault within families.
Adamawa man arrested for allegedly defiling daughter
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NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
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NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) announced that Operation Whirl Punch eliminated at least 28 terrorists in Niger’s Shiroro area on Wednesday.
This information was released in a statement by Capt. Kabiru Ali, NAF’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ali explained that the operation targeted criminal elements terrorizing communities in the area.
The successful air mission was conducted on September 11, following a request for air support from friendly forces.
According to Ali, NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a intense battle.
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“After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ positions.
“The strikes were devastating, neutralizing dozens of terrorists in successive passes.
“As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared,” he said.
Ali emphasized that the successful operation highlights NAF’s dedication to protecting Nigeria and supporting other security agencies in combating criminality.
“Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.”
“This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity, and security of our great nation,” he said.
NAF airstrike kills 28 terrorists in Niger State
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Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
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Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
A devastating fire outbreak has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the GSM Village near Kpata Market in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was reportedly caused by a power surge.
Eyewitnesses and residents nearby confirmed that the outbreak began due to a high voltage surge that damaged electrical appliances in surrounding homes. Traders were unable to salvage any goods as the inferno quickly spread out of control.
Muhammed Yahaya, one of the affected shop owners, shared his ordeal. “I received a call around 5:30 am, informing me that the market was on fire. By the time I arrived, many shops were already burnt down. Based on what people around the area said, the high voltage is likely what triggered the fire. Fans, lights, and other electrical items in the neighbouring houses were also damaged,” he explained.
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Yahaya added that many shop owners had just restocked their inventory earlier in the week, making the loss even more devastating.
Appealing to the Kogi State Government for assistance, Yahaya expressed hope that authorities would provide financial support and help rebuild the GSM Village.
“We are mostly young, resourceful graduates who created jobs for ourselves. The properties we nurtured for over 15 years were destroyed in an hour. We need the government’s intervention to recover from this tragedy,” he pleaded.
Moses Felix, the Financial Secretary of the Kogi Association of Phones and Accessories Dealers (KAPAD), also spoke about the impact of the inferno.
“I lost everything in my shop, including newly arrived goods. It’s overwhelming. I am a married man with children, and this fire has wiped out my livelihood. I employ three boys who depend on me, and now they too are without jobs,” Felix lamented, visibly distressed.
As of the time of this report, fire service officials were still working to extinguish the fire. A full assessment of the damage is expected once the fire is completely put out.
Fire razes Kogi phone market, goods worth millions lost
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