ICPC traces multi-million Dollar properties in Egypt to former Kaduna governor El-Rufai

Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has reportedly uncovered six high-value real estate assets in Egypt allegedly linked to former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The properties, comprising three luxury villas and six apartments located in upscale districts of Cairo, were discovered during the commission’s ongoing investigation into alleged financial improprieties during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023.

Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the assets were purchased between 2021 and 2023, a period when El-Rufai was still serving as governor.

Investigators said the real estate holdings are situated in some of Cairo’s most affluent neighbourhoods, particularly in the New Cairo district.

According to documents obtained by investigators, the assets include: A villa located at House 113 in Arabilla Estate, Fifth Settlement Area, New Cairo; A villa at House 18 in Banafsik Estate, First Settlement Area, New Cairo; A villa at House 11 in Oriana II Estate near the American University in New Cairo; Four apartments located at units 514, 515, 516 and 517 in Cairo Festival City, New Cairo; Two apartments at units 4000 and 4100 in Oriana Estate, New Cairo

Market checks indicate that villas in Arabilla and Banafsik estates typically sell for between $1 million and $1.3 million, while apartments in Cairo Festival City are valued at approximately $500,000 each.

Investigators believe the total value of the assets could run into several millions of dollars.

The discovery appears to contradict earlier statements made by the former governor.

In a 2023 Hausa interview, El-Rufai claimed he owned only a single house located on Danja Street in Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna, insisting he had not acquired luxury properties during his time in office.

“We aren’t like such people. I became the governor of Kaduna State with only one house located at Danja Street in Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna,” he said at the time.

READ ALSO: El-Rufai seeks N15.6bn from ICPC over alleged defamation, arrest

“I have completed my tenure, Alhamdulillah… that is my only house. I don’t have any other house. I didn’t build a mansion. I don’t even need it.”

The ICPC is currently investigating El-Rufai over alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office during his administration.

The former governor has been in the custody of the commission since February 18 as part of the probe.

Investigators also carried out a search of his residence in Abuja on February 19, during which equipment suspected to be used for wire-tapping was reportedly recovered.

Prior to his detention by the ICPC, El-Rufai was also questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) over claims that the telephone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had been illegally tapped.

The DSS subsequently filed a three-count charge against the former governor for allegedly intercepting the NSA’s telephone conversation.

El-Rufai had earlier spent two nights at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after returning to Nigeria from Cairo on February 12.

READ ALSO: Nasir El-Rufai’s family denies ICPC claim of phone-tapping device recovery

The investigation follows earlier allegations made by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which in 2024 indicted the former governor over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and money laundering.

The state legislature subsequently urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations.

Meanwhile, El-Rufai has filed a lawsuit against the ICPC, accusing the commission of unlawfully invading his Abuja residence.

In the suit, he is asking the court to declare that the search and seizure conducted by operatives of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force violated his constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, personal liberty and fair hearing.

He is also seeking a ruling that any evidence obtained during the search should be declared inadmissible in any legal proceedings.

The former governor further requested a court order restraining the agencies from using materials seized during the operation in any investigation or prosecution.

In addition, El-Rufai is demanding N1 billion in general and exemplary damages for what he described as trespass, unlawful seizure, psychological trauma and reputational harm.

The former governor has also accused the anti-corruption agency of defamation and forgery, threatening to institute a separate legal action.

Through his legal team, he issued a pre-action notice alleging that the commission released defamatory statements and relied on forged documents during his arrest and detention.

His family has also called for his immediate and unconditional release, insisting that his continued detention lacks legal justification.

El-Rufai, who is now associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), maintains that the investigation against him is politically motivated and linked to his opposition political activities.