The House of Representatives has dismissed the bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive.
Gatekeepers News reports that Gambaryan was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024 as part of a broader investigation into alleged money laundering and economic destabilisation attributed to Binance’s activities in the country.
Gambaryan recently took to X, recounting his encounters with the Nigerian government and certain lawmakers.
He alleged that three lawmakers, including Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, solicited a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency, demanding the funds be transferred into their wallets.
The Binance executive also accused Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, of seeking “billions in payouts from Binance for political ambitions.”
Reacting to the allegations in a statement on Saturday, Akin Rotimi, the house spokesperson said they are aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.
The statement reads, “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 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.”
Given the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction and a subject of ongoing diplomatic engagements, the house said it “will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.”
The statement added, “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.”
