On Friday, Tigran Gambaryan, the head of financial crime at Binance, alleged that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million (N225 billion) bribe to settle issues related to the government’s crackdown on the crypto exchange.
Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria for months, claimed the lawmakers insisted the money be paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets. He named Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe as the key figures behind the demand.
While the revelation has sparked controversy, here’s what you should know about the lawmakers involved.
Who is Philip Agbese?
- Position: Member of the House of Representatives for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency (Benue State).
- Political Party: All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Education: Studied at University of Ilorin (LL.B) and Middlesex University (Master’s in Human Rights Law).
- Role in Government: Deputy Spokesperson of the 10th House of Representatives.
Who is Peter Akpanke?
- Position: Member of the House of Representatives for Obudu, Obanliku, and Bekwarra Federal Constituency (Cross River State).
- Political Party: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
- Background: Former staff of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before entering politics.
Who is Ginger Obinna Onwusibe?
- Position: Member of the House of Representatives for Isiala Ngwa South/Isiala Ngwa North Federal Constituency (Abia State).
- Political Party: Labour Party (LP).
- Committee Role: Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption.
Philip Agbese Responds to Bribery Allegations
Following Gambaryan’s claims, Philip Agbese has denied any involvement and demanded evidence, threatening legal action if the allegations are not retracted.
“These allegations are false. I was not part of any meeting with Binance executives regarding money for any purpose. Binance has already apologized.”
Agbese clarified that he is not a member of the House Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes and was only present during a meeting involving Hon. Peter Akpanke and Binance representatives.
“I have never used cryptocurrency and do not own a crypto wallet. I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet.”
The lawmaker has given Gambaryan a seven-day ultimatum to present proof or face legal action.
Background: Binance vs. Nigerian Government
- February 2024: Nigerian authorities arrested Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, accusing Binance of money laundering and tax evasion.
- March 2024: Anjarwalla escaped from custody, leaving Gambaryan to face the charges alone.
- May 2024: Binance CEO Richard Teng alleged that unidentified Nigerian officials demanded $150 million in cryptocurrency to drop charges against the firm. The government denied the claims.
- October 2024: After US government intervention, charges against Gambaryan were dropped, and he was allowed to leave Nigeria.
With tensions rising over Binance’s alleged involvement in Nigeria’s financial system, the bribery accusations have put the spotlight on the Nigerian legislature and anti-corruption efforts.
