Investigators with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, have traced a number of high-value properties in Egypt allegedly linked to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, according to officials familiar with the inquiry.
The anti-graft agency sources said the multi-billion naira properties were acquired between 2021 and 2023.
Sources within the anti-corruption agency who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said the properties are located in upscale districts of New Cairo, a rapidly developing suburb of Cairo known for luxury estates and gated residential communities.
According to the investigators, facts available to the commission indicate that several villas and apartments in the area may be linked to the former governor. The properties are said to be situated in some of New Cairo’s most exclusive residential estates, including Arabella Estate, Banafsek Estate, Oriana Estate and Cairo Festival City.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the prices of villas in Cairo Festival City and Arabella range from 50 million to 200 million Egyptian pounds (about 5.3 billion naira), while partments cost around 26 million Egyptian pounds (about 700 million naira).
One investigator familiar with the matter said the properties under scrutiny include a villa located at House No. 113 in Arabella Estate in the Fifth Settlement district of New Cairo. Another villa allegedly linked to the former governor is located at House No. 18 in Banafsek Estate in the First Settlement area of the city.
Investigators also cited a property in Oriana II Estate, near the American University in Cairo, reportedly listed as House No. 11.
In addition to the villas, the agency also traced apartments within the high-end Cairo Festival City development. According to the sources, four apartments—identified as Units 514, 515, 516 and 517—are among the properties being probed.
Two additional apartments in Oriana Estate, reportedly numbered 4000 and 4100, are also being looked into as part of the ongoing inquiry.
An official involved in the investigation said, “We are analysing intelligence reports and attempting to trace the ownership structure of the properties.”
“The process also involves verifying property registries and financial trails. Because the assets are located outside the country, there are diplomatic and legal channels that must be followed,” the source added.
Officials declined to disclose further details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.
Efforts to obtain comments from the family of Mr El-Rufai were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
The ICPC has not issued any official public statement regarding the alleged properties or the status of the investigation.
Source: DAILY NIGERIAN