The explosive findings are part of a global investigative project, “Dubai Unlocked,” spearheaded by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and over 70 media partners worldwide.
Economy Post, the sole Nigerian participant in this investigation, provided crucial data revealing extensive property holdings by politically exposed Nigerian persons (PEPs), their families, and high-ranking civil servants in Dubai.
The report indicates a significant increase from previous years, with the current figures standing at 1,600 properties valued at $997.79 million, up from 800 properties worth $400 million in 2020.
These properties are located in some of Dubai’s most prestigious areas, including the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Nigerians rank as the second-largest foreign real estate investors in Dubai, trailing only behind Indians, with PEPs and their connections owning approximately 88% of the properties tied to Nigerians.
BusinessDay’s analysis also included social media scrutiny and cross-referencing birth dates to confirm identities and property ownership.
A law professor, Emmanuel Okeke, commented on the findings, noting that while owning property abroad is lawful, the significant capital flow into Dubai’s market raises concerns about potential corruption.
“These revelations are critical as they shed light on the foreign investment behaviors of Nigerian elites and their implications on the country’s economic and anti-corruption landscape,” said Okeke.
What is the Dollar to Naira Exchange rate at the black market also known as…
President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Construction and Household Support Programme during the National…
Ugo Nwoke, the husband of Nollywood actress and latest bride in town, Sharon Ooja, has sung her…
The Federal Government has launched a special task force to address the problem of unauthorized…
A 65-year-old pastor, Francis Ogwu, has been handed over to policemen in Anambra State for…
A lot has changed in the 1,344 days since President Biden and former President Donald…