According to the report, 284 properties have been acquired in the United States since 1991 for a total amount of approximately $271 million. These properties are linked to 61 high-ranking Nigerian officials, both current and former.
Among the 61 people analyzed, 39 have already been publicly accused, tried, or convicted of corruption crimes. This non-governmental organization, which specializes in protecting whistleblowers on the African continent and was founded by French lawyer William Bourdon, notes that the mentioned high-ranking Nigerian officials acquired this real estate in the US either in their own names or in the names of their spouses, avoiding the use of shell companies or complex financial schemes.
In four out of five assets, they were purchased 'without apparent financing,' meaning with cash, which 'raises suspicions of money laundering,' as stated in the report, which cites the French news agency France-Presse (AFP).
Nigeria is the second largest trading partner of the US in Africa, and Nigerians constitute the largest African diaspora in the country. This country, being the most populous and having the largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, faces numerous security challenges, including jihadist groups active for seventeen years and armed gangs.
The NGO also emphasizes that 'the scale of spending allocated to defense and security has created constant opportunities for opaque contracts,' concluding that 'the fight against Boko Haram continues to enrich the military elite.'