As Buhari, Other Leaders Hold Anti-corruption Summit In London, British Paper Leaks Mansions Owned By Nigerians

Source: thewillnigeria.com

With just a few days to the International Anti-Corruption Summit, which will be held this Thursday in London, with British Prime Minister, David Cameron hosting several Heads of State and Government, including President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, mansions in choice parts of London owned by some Nigerians have been revealed.

The British newspaper, The Mail on Sunday, published photos of mansions owned by former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, deceased former Bayelsa State and Kogi State governors, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Abubakar Audu respectively, as well as controversial businessman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim.

Mansions acquired by several other non-Nigerians were also revealed in the publication.

Late Abubakar Audu’s Bishops Avenue mansion registered under Belside Properties Ltd. Photo by Ian McIlgorm

THEWILL can report that millions of dollars often corruptly acquired by Nigerian public officials, bankers and businessmen often end up being used to acquire luxury homes in the priciest neighbourhoods in London with Hampstead, Mayfair, Bishops Avenue and Chelsea topping the chart.

The homes are usually acquired through entities registered in offshore tax havens.

President Buhari, who is expected to play a key role at the summit, according to a presidency statement, will urge the international community to move faster on the dismantling of safe havens for the proceeds of corruption and the return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin.

Jimoh Ibrahim’s Bishops Avenue mansion. Photo by Ian McIlgorm

“The President will also reaffirm his administration's unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption and the Federal Government's readiness to partner with international agencies and other countries to identify, apprehend and punish corrupt public officials,” Femi Adesina, Buhari's spokesman said in the statement weekend.    

Buhari's delegation to the Summit will include the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Malami and the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

Late Diepreye Alamaseigha’s West Hampstead home. Image by Ian McIlgorm