LunagisthubUnpaid Taxes: The Shadow of Nigerian Politicians’ Hidden Assets Abroad
A recent investigation has uncovered a shocking revelation about Nigerian Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who owes a staggering $118,282 (N179 million) in unpaid property taxes in the United States This raises serious questions about the financial dealings of Nigerian politicians and their hidden assets abroad.
Kalu’s real estate empire in the U.S. is impressive, with multiple properties in South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas, valued in the millions of dollars. However, despite his wealth, Kalu has repeatedly failed to meet his tax obligations, leaving many to wonder about the source of his funds.
A Pattern of Neglect
Kalu’s tax woes date back to the early 1990s, when he first acquired a four-acre tract of land in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Today, that land lies abandoned, a testament to Kalu’s neglect of his properties. Neighbors recall that the site once boasted multiple warehouses and homes, but now it’s nothing more than an overgrown lot with a single trash can.
A Web of Connections
Kalu’s tax notices are sent to an address in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which was purchased in 2005 by Eunice Uzor, his mother. His brother, Mascot Uzor Kalu, is also listed on the title, raising questions about the extent of their involvement in Kalu’s financial dealings.
The Bigger Picture
Kalu’s case is not an isolated incident. Many Nigerian politicians have been accused of hiding assets abroad, and the U.S. government has been working to crack down on such practices. The Corporate Transparency Act, passed in 2021, aims to prevent money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion through anonymous real estate purchases.
However, enforcement of the law has faced resistance, and transparency advocates argue that weakening anti-corruption laws will only make it easier for corrupt politicians to launder money through U.S. real estate.
As the investigation into Kalu’s tax affairs continues, one thing is clear: the issue of hidden assets abroad is a complex one that requires urgent attention.
Lunagisthub
