High-ranking Nigerian officials and politicians have been linked to prime real estate in Dubai.
According to studies that are making the rounds on the internet, two of the 200 prominent individuals involved are Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, who supposedly own $1 billion worth of real estate in Dubai.
Nigerians make up the second largest group of foreign homeowners in Dubai, with 88% of Nigerian-owned properties owned by PEPs and people with ties to the government.
$1 billion properties in Dubai connected to politicians are revealed in a report
The wives and children of judges, senior officers, and politically exposed persons (PEPs) are said to be part of this group, having accumulated 1,600 properties in specific areas of Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The wives and children of judges, senior officers, and politically exposed persons (PEPs) are said to be part of this group, having accumulated 1,600 properties in specific areas of Dubai, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The investigation known as ‘Unlocked Dubai’, conducted over six months by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) along with over 70 media partners, including Nigeria’s Economy Post, has uncovered significant anomalies in the UAE’s real estate sector. The findings highlight a peculiar practice where Nigerian property registrars in Dubai have allegedly misidentified their genders on official property records.
According to the report, areas of interest in Dubai where these irregularities were observed include prestigious locations such as Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Marsa Dubai, Al Merkadh, Palm Jumeirah, Wadi Al Safa, Madinat Al Mataar, and Nad Al Shiba First, among others.
Specifically, the investigation revealed instances where Nigerian male property registrars were registered as female, and conversely, females were registered as males. This discrepancy raises questions about the accuracy and integrity of property ownership records in Dubai, potentially affecting transparency and accountability within the real estate market.
It’s important to note that the report does not accuse the individuals listed of acquiring properties through illicit means or using stolen public funds. However, the findings underscore broader concerns about governance and regulatory oversight in Dubai’s booming real estate sector, especially regarding the accuracy and reliability of property ownership data.
The involvement of Nigerian media partners like Economy Post highlights international collaboration in investigative journalism, aiming to shed light on complex issues affecting global financial systems and cross-border investments. As such investigations continue, they play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in the global real estate market
Here is the listing for you:
1. Abubakar Atiku
Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, owns a three-bedroom home in Palm Tower, Dubai, valued at approximately $1.23 million.
2. The 23-year-old daughter of Atiku.
The article states that Atiku Abubakar’s daughter, 23, is the owner of a $104,135 one-bedroom home in Commerce Middle Second. It has been stated that she also own another two-bedroom house in Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, which is estimated to be worth $289,305.75.
3. Lateef Fagbemi
The research also disclosed that Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Chief Prosecutor of Nigeria, had $85,846 worth of property in Al Hebiah Third.
4. El-Rufai Nasir
According to reports, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, owns a $193,084 four-bedroom home in Al Hebiah Third.
5. Yusuf Datti Baba Ahmed
Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the leader of the Labor Party (LP) and Peter Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election may be included to this list.
Eight properties valued at $2.28 million have been attributed to the politician and businessman. The properties are situated in choice areas equivalent to Burj Khalifa, Al Yelayiss, Al Barsha South Fourth, and City Sq. Safi 2.
6. Attahiru Bafarawa
Former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa has been linked to seven properties valued at a complete of $1.48 million.
As well as, his spouse owns an actual property asset situated in Palm Jumeirah, valued $750,112.
7. Senator Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh
In line with the investigation, Senator Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh, representing Ondo South, has been linked to seven properties.
8. Ike Ekweremadu
In addition, five homes have been linked to Ike Ekweremadu, a former Senate deputy president who is currently incarcerated in the United Kingdom. Senator Ekweremadu and his spouse were found guilty and given prison terms exceeding fifteen years
9. Mohammed Sidi Sani
A house in Marsa Dubai, valued at $590,807, was traced to the previous director-general of the National Emergency Management Administration (NEMA), who was fired in April 2023 together with seven of the Commission’s administrators. The property is valued at $590,807.
10. Ashe Ahmadu Muazu
The wife of an ex-PDP National chairman owns a property situated in Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, valued at $1.16 million.
