The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly refuted bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Binance executive, describing his claims as “outrageous falsehoods” and “defamatory statements.” Gambaryan, who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes, accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe from him during his detention. The government, however, has dismissed these allegations as baseless and urged the public to disregard them entirely.
Background of the Allegations
Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, was detained in Nigeria for eight months over allegations of money laundering and currency manipulation. Alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Gambaryan faced charges related to the alleged laundering of $35 million through the cryptocurrency platform Binance. While Anjarwalla escaped custody in March 2024, Gambaryan was released in October 2024 following high-level diplomatic intervention by the U.S. government.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Gambaryan named three Nigerian lawmakers—Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe, and Peter Akpanke—as the individuals who allegedly demanded a $150 million bribe from him. He claimed that the lawmakers staged a fake meeting with unplugged cameras and media setups to make the interaction appear official. According to Gambaryan, the meeting ended with the lawmakers demanding the bribe, which they requested to be paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets.
Federal Government’s Response
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Federal Government categorically denied Gambaryan’s allegations, labeling them as “unsubstantiated” and “malicious.” The government emphasized that Gambaryan’s claims were an attempt to discredit Nigerian officials who ensured he faced justice for his alleged financial crimes.
The statement clarified that Gambaryan’s initial visit to Nigeria was discretionary and not officially sanctioned by the government. However, when allegations of a bribery demand surfaced, the government promptly initiated an investigation, despite the absence of a formal complaint. The government also noted that Gambaryan’s second visit was part of a broader probe into the criminal manipulation of the Nigerian currency through peer-to-peer platforms like Binance. However, investigators were reportedly frustrated by what the government described as “obstructionist tactics” employed by Gambaryan and his team.
Regarding Gambaryan’s release, the government stated that it was a humanitarian gesture following diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. government. The government rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment in exchange for Gambaryan’s freedom, opting instead for a more beneficial settlement with the U.S. government.
Lawmakers Deny Allegations
The lawmakers named by Gambaryan have vehemently denied the bribery allegations. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, challenged Gambaryan to provide evidence to support his claims or face legal consequences. Agbese stated that he was not part of any meeting with Binance executives regarding financial demands and emphasized that he has never engaged in cryptocurrency transactions or owned a crypto wallet.
Similarly, Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, declined to comment, stating that the matter was already in court. Efforts to reach Peter Akpanke for a response were unsuccessful.
Broader Implications
The allegations and subsequent denials have sparked a broader debate about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems. Critics argue that the incident highlights the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and clearer guidelines for interactions between government officials and private entities. The case also raises questions about the role of cryptocurrency in financial crimes and the challenges of regulating peer-to-peer platforms in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The Federal Government’s decision to reject Binance’s $5 million offer in favor of a diplomatic settlement with the U.S. government underscores its commitment to upholding national interests. However, the controversy has also drawn attention to the complexities of international diplomacy and the delicate balance between justice and humanitarian considerations.
Public Reaction and Legal Proceedings
The public reaction to Gambaryan’s allegations has been mixed. While some have expressed skepticism about his claims, others have called for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. The Federal Government has urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from being swayed by what it describes as “unfounded and malicious” accusations.
The government has expressed confidence in the judicial systems of both Nigeria and the United States, asserting that Gambaryan will have the opportunity to substantiate his claims in court. Until then, the government has advised the public to disregard his allegations and await the outcome of legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The bribery allegations made by Tigran Gambaryan against Nigerian lawmakers have ignited a fierce debate about corruption, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. While the Federal Government and the accused lawmakers have dismissed the claims as baseless, the incident underscores the need for stronger anti-corruption measures and clearer guidelines for interactions between government officials and private entities.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the challenges of regulating cryptocurrency platforms and the complexities of international diplomacy. The public’s trust in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems will depend on the outcome of this case and the government’s ability to uphold transparency and accountability in the face of such allegations.
For now, the Federal Government remains steadfast in its denial of Gambaryan’s claims, urging the public to disregard what it describes as “falsehoods” and await the verdict of the judicial process.
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