By The spokesperson for Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi, has dismissed claims that the institution is involved in a $150 million bribery scandal linked to crypto firm Binance. He clarified that the allegations were directed at individual lawmakers, not the House as a whole.
The controversy erupted after Binance’s financial crime chief, Tigran Gambaryan, alleged on social media that three lawmakers—Hons Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe—demanded a $150 million bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution. His claims quickly spread across the media, sparking public outrage.
However, Rotimi emphasized that these accusations were not new, as they had been previously circulated last year. He reiterated that the allegations concern specific individuals and do not implicate the entire legislature.
According to him, the accused lawmakers have strongly denied any involvement in the alleged bribery. They have assured the House leadership that they had no such dealings with Binance or its representatives.
In response to the allegations, one of the named lawmakers has already taken legal action to clear his name. Rotimi stated that the House would continue to function without distractions and would not be drawn into personal legal battles.
As the case unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the lawmakers defend themselves against the accusations and whether Binance provides concrete evidence to support its claims.
