ICPC Traces Multi-Million-Dollar Luxury Villas, Apartments In Egypt To Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai –Report
ICPC Traces Luxury Properties in Egypt to Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai
March 9, 2026 – News
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly uncovered multiple high-value real estate assets in Egypt linked to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure intensify.
According to TheCable, investigators traced at least six properties to El-Rufai in Cairo, including three luxury villas and several apartments in upscale districts. The villas are located in Arabella Estate and Banafsik Estate in New Cairo, areas known for high-end residential developments, with market values estimated between $1 million and $1.3 million each.
Additional apartments allegedly linked to the former governor were identified in Cairo Festival City, where individual units are valued at approximately $500,000. Sources familiar with the probe said the properties were acquired between 2021 and 2023, during El-Rufai’s second term as governor.
The discovery has intensified scrutiny because El-Rufai had previously claimed publicly that he owned only a single house. In a 2023 interview with a Hausa media outlet, he said:
“We aren’t like such people. I became the Governor of Kaduna State with only one house located at Danja Street in Unguwan Sarki, Kaduna. I have completed my tenure, Alhamdulillah… that is my only house. I don’t have any other house. I didn’t build a mansion. I don’t even need it.”
ICPC Investigations and Detention
The ICPC is investigating El-Rufai over alleged financial impropriety during his eight-year tenure as Kaduna governor from 2015 to 2023. According to SaharaReporters, he has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026.
During the probe, ICPC operatives reportedly raided his Abuja residence on February 19, allegedly discovering wire-tapping equipment. Prior to his detention, El-Rufai was questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding allegations of intercepting the phone of Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The DSS later filed a three-count charge against him.
El-Rufai also spent two nights at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters after returning from Cairo on February 12.
The investigations follow a 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which indicted El-Rufai over the alleged diversion of N423 billion in public funds and suspected money laundering, urging anti-graft agencies to investigate.
Legal Team Alleges ICPC Misconduct
El-Rufai’s legal team has accused the ICPC of abusing the legal process during his detention. In a formal protest letter to ICPC chairman, lead counsel Ubong Akpan described the commission’s actions as an “absolute disgrace” to the legal profession.
Akpan alleged that the ICPC obtained a 14-day remand order on February 19, 2026 through “fraudulent representations” and has yet to charge El-Rufai in a competent court. He also accused the commission of “forum shopping,” arguing that the Magistrate Court in Bwari lacks jurisdiction over money laundering allegations, which fall under the Federal High Court.
“What we have witnessed from the Commission over the past 15 days is nothing short of an absolute disgrace to the practice of law… that would shame any law enforcement agency in any civilised jurisdiction,” Akpan wrote.
He further claimed the original remand order was never served on El-Rufai or his lawyers, violating his constitutional right to fair hearing. Akpan warned that continued detention without charges contravenes Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution, and that each hour of detention constitutes “a separate and distinct tort of false imprisonment,” with potential personal liability for the ICPC chairman.
The legal team is demanding:
- Immediate release of El-Rufai;
- Public apology published in three national newspapers;
- N2 billion in damages; and
- That lawyers involved in the ICPC process be reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, as well as notification to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Inspector-General of Police for further investigation.