By ThankGod Inalegwu
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly uncovered several high-value properties in Egypt allegedly linked to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as investigations into alleged financial improprieties during his tenure deepen.
According to reports by Daily Nigerian, investigators with the anti-graft agency traced the multi-billion naira assets to upscale districts of New Cairo, an affluent suburb of Cairo known for its luxury estates and gated residential communities.
Sources familiar with the probe said the properties, which were allegedly acquired between 2021 and 2023, include multiple villas and apartments located in some of the most exclusive estates in the area. These include Arabella Estate, Banafsek Estate, Oriana Estate and the luxury development at Cairo Festival City.
Preliminary findings by investigators indicate that villas in Cairo Festival City and Arabella Estate range from 50 million to 200 million Egyptian pounds—equivalent to about ₦5.3 billion—while luxury apartments in the district cost around 26 million Egyptian pounds, estimated at roughly ₦700 million.
An investigator involved in the case disclosed that one of the properties under scrutiny is 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 identified a property in Oriana II Estate, situated near the American University in Cairo, reportedly listed as House No. 11.
In addition to the villas, the probe is examining multiple apartments within the Cairo Festival City development. According to sources, four apartments—identified as Units 514, 515, 516 and 517—are among the properties currently being reviewed.
Two additional apartments in Oriana Estate, reportedly numbered 4000 and 4100, are also under investigation as part of the ongoing inquiry.
An official familiar with the matter said the commission is currently analysing intelligence reports and attempting to trace the ownership structures of the properties.
“We are analysing intelligence reports and attempting to trace the ownership structure of the properties,” the official said. “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.”
Officials declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.
Attempts to obtain comments from El-Rufai’s family were unsuccessful as of press time, while the ICPC has yet to release a detailed public statement on the alleged properties or the full status of the probe.
The investigation comes amid a widening scrutiny of the former governor by several anti-graft and security agencies.
Last week, the ICPC confirmed that El-Rufai was in its custody in connection with ongoing investigations. In a statement issued by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at the commission, the agency said the former governor was being held as part of its inquiry.
El-Rufai had earlier presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja following an invitation over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
The probe stems partly from findings by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which in 2024 indicted the former governor over the alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and recommended that anti-corruption agencies investigate the claims.
In a related development, security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after his return from Cairo.
El-Rufai later alleged that the arrest attempt was orchestrated by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, a claim that has generated political controversy.
During an interview on Arise Television, the former governor further alleged that someone had wiretapped the National Security Adviser’s phone, allowing him to overhear instructions for his arrest.
Following the allegation, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai over the alleged interception of the NSA’s telephone conversation. He was subsequently taken into DSS custody after spending two nights at the EFCC headquarters.
The ICPC investigation into the alleged overseas assets is ongoing, with officials saying further details may emerge as the commission continues to trace financial transactions and property ownership records across international jurisdictions.