The House of Representatives has responded to bribery allegations made against three lawmakers by a senior executive at cryptocurrency exchange Binance, Tigran Gambaryan, stating that the claims are directed at individual lawmakers and not the institution itself.
House Spokesman Akin Rotimi made the clarification in a statement on issued on Saturday, 15 January, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
While clarifying the House’s position, Rotimi urged the public to rely on verified facts rather than unproven accusations.
According to Rotimi, one of the lawmakers named in the allegation has already taken legal action to clear his name, while others have been advised to do the same to protect their reputations. He also stated that the accused members have assured the House leadership that they never engaged in any corrupt dealings as alleged.
“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,” Rotimi’s statement read.
Tigran Gambaryan
He further stressed that since the matter is now before a competent court and remains a subject of diplomatic discussions, the House will refrain from making further comments in accordance with legal and parliamentary procedures. He also reassured Nigerians that the House remains committed to transparency, accountability, and protecting democratic institutions.
The controversy surfaced after Gambaryan alleged that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe to prevent his arrest and prosecution. He made these claims on Friday in a post on the social media platform X. The lawmakers named—Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe, and Peter Akpanke—have strongly denied the allegations.
Gambaryan, who was previously detained in Nigeria over money laundering accusations against Binance, claimed that National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu also sought personal benefits from the dispute between Binance and the Nigerian government.
