By Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria’s anti-corruption authorities have reportedly expanded their investigation into the tenure of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, with attention now focused on properties allegedly linked to him outside the country.
Investigators with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are said to be examining several high-value real estate assets located in Cairo, Egypt, as part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s time in office.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the properties under review include three luxury villas and six apartments situated in upscale districts of the Egyptian capital.
Among the locations reportedly identified are residential estates in New Cairo, a rapidly developing area known for its high-end housing developments and proximity to major institutions such as the American University in Cairo.
Real estate listings in the area indicate that villas within some of the estates mentioned typically sell for between one million and 1.3 million dollars, while apartments in luxury residential complexes can cost around half a million dollars each.
Officials are said to be verifying ownership details and financial records linked to the properties as investigators attempt to determine whether they are connected to funds allegedly diverted during the period El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
The anti-graft commission has been conducting a broader inquiry into financial transactions and projects executed during that period, with investigators examining documents and other evidence tied to the administration.
The development comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the former governor, who has also faced questioning by security agencies in recent weeks over separate matters.
Authorities have yet to publicly release full details of the investigation, but officials say inquiries are continuing as they work to establish the facts surrounding the alleged overseas assets.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.