The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes has refuted allegations made by an online newspaper accusing some committee members of accepting a $140 million bribe from Binance CEO, Mr Richard Ten, to cover up alleged crimes committed by the firm in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, addressed the media during a press briefing at the National Assembly, dismissing the allegations as false.
The committee’s stance follows a motion passed by the House on May 8, 2024, calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape of Binance executive, Mr. Najeem Anjarwalla, from the custody of the National Security Adviser.
The online newspaper, Premium Times reported that the sponsor of the motion, Hon. Dominic Okafor, negotiated and received a $140 million bribe from Binance’s CEO to suppress the findings of the committee.
However, Hon. Okafor vehemently denied the allegation and threatened legal action against the news outlet if it failed to retract the publication and issue an apology.
Chairman Onwusibe clarified that the committee members did not engage in any negotiations or accept bribes from Binance executives to shield them from investigation.
He acknowledged that three committee members did meet with Binance executives to discuss critical issues related to the probe, including the use of a warrant of arrest to compel company officials to honor the committee’s invitation.
Furthermore, he revealed that the committee members were approached by unknown individuals to settle the matter discreetly, a proposition that was promptly rejected.
Onwusibe emphasized that the committee has been conducting its hearings transparently through public hearings and any settlement discussions must involve all parties in attendance.
”Our commitment to conducting a fair and impartial investigation into the matter involving Binance remains intact,” he added.
Teng had denounced the Nigerian government’s action after two of its executives were arrested, stressing that it sets a perilous precedent for companies worldwide.
He said the detention of two of Binance’s employees, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, during their visit to Nigeria for policy discussions was unlawful.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla travelled to Nigeria in early January to engage in constructive dialogue with Nigerian authorities regarding cryptocurrency regulations and compliance.