ICPC Traces Properties Allegedly Linked to Ex-Kaduna State Governor El-Rufai In Egypt
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has traced a number of high-value properties in Egypt allegedly linked to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
According to Daily Nigerian, investigators with the anti-graft agency reportedly uncovered the multi-billion naira properties, which sources said were acquired between 2021 and 2023.
Officials familiar with the inquiry disclosed that the assets are located in upscale districts of New Cairo, a rapidly expanding suburb of Cairo known for its luxury estates and gated residential communities.
According to investigators, preliminary findings suggest that several villas and apartments in the area may be linked to the former governor. The properties are said to be situated in some of New Cairo’s most exclusive residential estates, including Arabella Estate, Banafsek Estate, Oriana Estate and Cairo Festival City.
Findings gathered indicate that villas in Cairo Festival City and Arabella Estate range from 50 million to 200 million Egyptian pounds—about ₦5.3 billion—while apartments in the area are said to cost around 26 million Egyptian pounds, roughly ₦700 million.
One investigator familiar with the matter said the properties under scrutiny include 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 cited a property in Oriana II Estate, near the American University in Cairo, reportedly listed as House No. 11.
In addition to the villas, the investigation 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 probed.
Two additional apartments in Oriana Estate, reportedly numbered 4000 and 4100, are also under review as part of the ongoing inquiry.
An official involved in the investigation said the commission was analysing intelligence reports and tracing the ownership structure 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 disclose further details, citing the sensitivity of the investigation.
Efforts to obtain comments from the family of El-Rufai were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report, while the ICPC has yet to issue a detailed public statement regarding the alleged properties or the full status of the investigation.
Last week, the commission confirmed that the former governor is currently in its custody in connection with an ongoing probe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by J. Okor Odey, Head of Media and Public Communications at the ICPC, the commission said: “The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission writes to state that Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, is in our custody as at close of work today, Wednesday, the 18th day of February, 2026. Malam Nasiru El-Rufai is in the custody of the Commission in connection with investigations.”
El-Rufai’s detention follows a series of engagements with anti-graft and security agencies. On Monday, the former governor presented himself at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being invited over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.
In 2024, the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufai over the alleged diversion of ₦423 billion in public funds and money laundering, and subsequently called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the claims.
Last Thursday, security operatives reportedly attempted to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his return from Cairo. El-Rufai later alleged that the arrest attempt was orchestrated by the ICPC at the instruction of Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser.
During an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired by Arise Television, the former governor further claimed that “someone wiretapped” Ribadu’s phone, enabling him to overhear instructions for his arrest.
Following the allegation, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai for allegedly intercepting the NSA’s telephone conversation. He was later taken into custody by the DSS after spending two nights at the EFCC headquarters.
