“Provide Evidence I Demanded $150M Bribe or Face Legal Action” – Philip Agbese Challenges Binance Executive

Philip Agbese, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, has challenged former Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan to provide evidence of a $150 million bribe demand or face legal action.

Agbese issued a seven-day ultimatum to Gambaryan, demanding either proof of the allegations or a public apology. He dismissed the claims as false and threatened legal proceedings if his demands were not met.

Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were detained by Nigerian authorities on February 26, 2024, over allegations of financial misconduct linked to Binance. While Anjarwalla later escaped custody, Gambaryan remained detained and faced money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This came after the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, alleged that $26 billion had been funneled through Binance without traceability. However, in October 2024, the Nigerian government dropped all charges against Binance and its executives, and a court ordered Gambaryan’s release.

On Friday, Gambaryan accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of soliciting bribes to fund a political campaign. He also alleged that Agbese and two other lawmakers had demanded $150 million to be paid into their cryptocurrency wallets.

In response, Agbese denied owning any cryptocurrency wallet and rejected the accusations. He clarified that he had not participated in any meeting regarding financial transactions involving Binance. According to Agbese, his only encounter with Binance representatives was during a visit to the office of Hon. Peter Ankpanke, where another lawmaker, Hon. Peter Anekwe, was present. He insisted that he did not partake in any further meetings with Binance, EFCC, or the Department of State Services (DSS).

Agbese further stated that the Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes had already taken legal action regarding Binance, leading to an official apology from the cryptocurrency firm. He emphasized that any inquiries should be directed to the committee, as he was not involved.

Refuting the allegations, Agbese called on Gambaryan to either provide concrete evidence linking him to the alleged bribe demand or issue a retraction and a public apology within seven days. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal consequences.

The lawmaker also dismissed Gambaryan’s broader claims regarding Nigerian authorities allegedly demanding information on opposition figures, labeling them as part of a smear campaign. He noted that similar accusations had previously been made against him, portraying him as an agent of the former administration and the Nigerian Armed Forces, which he attributed to foreign entities attempting to undermine nationalist politicians.