The House of Representatives has dismissed bribery claims leveled by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, as a ploy to undermine Nigerian institutions and public authorities.
Gambaryan, who was held in Nigeria from February to October 2024, alleged in a post on X that certain Nigerian lawmakers demanded hefty bitcoin bribes. He specifically accused three MPs of demanding a $150 million bribe, including Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese. He also said that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu solicited large sums of money from Binance to further his political goals.
In a statement issued on Saturday, February 15, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi argued that the allegations were false and targeted individual MPs rather than the institution as a whole.
“As an independent arm of government, the house upholds due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight. These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself,” the statement reads.
“The honourable members named have assured the house leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations.
“It is also important to highlight that, with the active involvement of both the Nigerian and United States governments, this matter has evolved into a government-to-government engagement.
“Notably, in the course of high-level diplomatic discussions, the federal government of Nigeria has prioritized national interest over external commercial pressure, including rejecting financial settlement offers from Binance. These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”
The House highlighted that because the matter is now before a court and is the subject of current diplomatic contacts, it will refrain from making further comments in accordance with established legislative, judicial, and diplomatic procedures.
“The house of representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials. The house remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” Rotimi added.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli