Lawmaker Accused By Binance Executive For Bribery Demands Evidence, Threatens Law suit

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

Hon. Philip Agbese has strongly refuted allegations made by Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who claimed Agbese was among those who demanded a $150 million bribe from the cryptocurrency firm.

In a statement released on Friday, Agbese described the allegations as "false and baseless," asserting that he was never part of any meeting involving Binance executives regarding any financial transaction. 

He emphasized that the leadership of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes had already taken legal action on the matter, and Binance had since apologized.

"Let it be on record that I am not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes," Agbese clarified. 

"I visited my colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, in his office while he was meeting with some visitors about an activity of his Committee. Hon. Peter Anakwe, another member of the Committee, was also present. I exchanged pleasantries and discussed Binance's activities in general, but at no point did I make any demands."

He further explained that he left the meeting before any discussions between Ankpanke, Anakwe, and Binance representatives took place. "I never saw those visitors again after that chance meeting and did not attend any subsequent meetings with Binance executives, the EFCC, or the DSS," he stated.

Addressing claims about his involvement in cryptocurrency transactions, Agbese categorically denied ever using or owning a crypto wallet. "I have never used any cryptocurrency, so I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet," he asserted.

He also condemned Gambaryan’s allegations, stating that they were part of a broader attempt to undermine public officials. 

"This is not the first time a foreign entity has made baseless accusations against me. Previously, there were claims that I worked for the past government and the Armed Forces to promote Nigeria’s agenda. These falsehoods reflect the desperation of those seeking to discredit nationalist public office holders," he said.

Agbese has now issued a demand for Gambaryan to provide evidence linking him to the bribery claims or publicly retract his statement and apologize within seven days. "Gambaryan and his associate, who escaped from prison, should return to the EFCC and defend themselves instead of attempting to implicate me," he stated. "If he fails to produce evidence, my legal team will take necessary action."

The lawmaker urged all inquiries on the matter to be directed to the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes rather than to him.

He added: "The fellow mentioned in his allegations that the Honourable members demanded for bribe from them and that it should be paid into their personal account. 

"I want to state in my honour that I have no cryptocurrency account anywhere in the world. I have never transacted any business with any electronic currency since I was born and I challenge the accuser to supply the so-called crypto currency account belonging to me."