A new investigation has identified 284 properties in the United States, collectively valued at nearly $271 million, linked to 61 current and former high-level Nigerian officials, their families, associates and affiliated companies.
The findings are contained in a report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), in partnership with the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC).
According to the report, the properties were acquired from 1991 onwards, with 152 properties valued at about $177 million purchased while the officials were still in office.
The investigation also found that 230 of the 284 properties, worth approximately $232 million, were purchased without apparent financing, such as mortgages.
PPLAAF said the investigation identified various risk factors, including purchases made during officials’ tenures, the use of companies and intermediaries, and transactions that could obscure property ownership.
The report examined 61 individuals, 39 of whom, according to PPLAAF, have previously been publicly accused, indicted or sentenced in connection with corruption cases.
However, being linked to a property does not by itself establish criminal wrongdoing.
PPLAAF and ACDC have called for further investigations into the sources of funds used to acquire the properties and stronger cooperation between Nigerian and US authorities over possible asset recovery.
