A new investigation has linked 61 current and former high-level Nigerian officials, their families, associates and affiliated companies to 284 properties in the United States valued at nearly $271 million.
The findings are contained in a report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) and ACDC, titled “Nigeria Dirty Deeds How Top Nigerian Officials Bought a Piece of America.”
According to the report, 152 properties worth about $177 million were acquired while the officials were in office, while 230 properties valued at about $232 million were purchased without apparent financing.
The investigation said 39 of the 61 individuals examined have been publicly accused, indicted or sentenced for corruption. Those named include former NSA Sambo Dasuki, ex-pension task force chairman Abdulrasheed Maina, former Abia governor Orji Kalu, former Enugu governor Chimaroke Nnamani, ex-Oyo governor Ajibola Ajimobi, former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah and ex-JAMB registrar Dibu Ojerinde.
The report said overseas property purchases can allow politically exposed persons (PEPs) to convert illicit gains into tangible assets, while companies, trusts and intermediaries can make ownership harder to establish. It also identified professionals who allegedly failed to verify identity documents or accepted transactions involving deceased individuals.
It found that 94 properties worth about $135 million were acquired without an apparent source of financing while officials were still in office. Another 79 properties worth about $73 million remain connected to 27 publicly accused individuals and could potentially be recovered.
PPLAAF Executive Director Jimmy Kande said the purchases could amount to international money la¥ndering and must be investigated as such.
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