Nigerian Officials Linked to $271M US Property Scandal

An investigation by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective (ACDC) has uncovered a US property network valued at nearly $271 million, associated with 61 current and former Nigerian politically exposed persons, their relatives, and affiliates. The investigation identified 284 properties across various US states, with 230, or approximately 81%, acquired without apparent financing, totaling around $232 million.

Notably, 152 properties worth about $177 million were purchased while the officials were in office. The report, titled "Dirty Deeds: How Top Nigerian Officials Bought A Piece Of America," was presented in Abuja by PPLAAF Director of Investigations, Sonia Tolley.

It revealed that 39 of the 61 individuals had faced prior accusations or convictions related to corruption, with properties valued at approximately $238 million linked to them. The investigation particularly noted the family of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, identifying around $9 million in US properties tied to them, with some purchases dating back to 1999.