The House of Representatives has clarified that recent bribery allegations made by Binance were directed at individual lawmakers and not the legislative body as an institution.
Akin Rotimi, the House spokesperson, issued a statement on Saturday affirming the chamber’s commitment to due process, the rule of law, and constitutional oversight.
He emphasized that the accusations, which first surfaced last year, concerned specific members rather than the House as a whole.
According to the statement, the lawmakers implicated in the allegations have assured the House leadership that no such misconduct occurred.
On Friday, Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive who was detained for eight months by the Nigerian government, claimed that the State Security Service (SSS) was involved in an alleged $150 million bribery demand from Binance by Nigerian lawmakers.
He further accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of seeking billions of dollars to fund future political ambitions.
Gambaryan specifically named Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency; Peter Akpanke, representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency; and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe as the lawmakers who allegedly orchestrated a staged official meeting before demanding bribes in cryptocurrency.
In response, Agbese dismissed Gambaryan’s claims, calling him a “drowning man” and denying any involvement in bribery.
Onwusibe, also accused, declined to comment, citing an ongoing court case.
Akpanke could not be reached, as his contact information was unavailable on the National Assembly’s website.