The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has refuted accusations made by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at the cryptocurrency company Binance, who alleged that Agbese was involved in demanding a $150 million bribe.
Agbese has described the allegations as unfounded and issued a seven-day deadline for Gambaryan to either provide proof or retract his claims.
The lawmaker clarified that he was not part of any meeting involving Binance executives related to financial demands, further explaining that he was only present during a visit to his colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, during a meeting with Binance representatives.
Agbese also emphasized that he is not a member of the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes, and any inquiries regarding the matter should be directed to the committee, not him personally. He also made it clear that he has no connection to cryptocurrency, stating that he has never used it and does not possess a crypto wallet.
In response to the accusations, Agbese called on Gambaryan to provide evidence linking him to the alleged bribery. He suggested that Gambaryan and his associate, who had previously escaped from prison, should focus on defending themselves against existing allegations instead of attempting to involve him in the controversy.
Agbese concluded by warning that if Gambaryan fails to provide the necessary evidence, legal action will be pursued. He stated that Gambaryan must either retract his claims or apologize within seven days, or face legal consequences.
“These allegations are false,” Agbese stated. “I was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose.”
” Gambaryan and his associate, who escaped from prison, should return to the EFCC and defend themselves. Instead of trying to implicate me, they should focus on addressing the allegations against them,” he said.
Agbese warned that should Gambaryan fail to provide evidence of his claims, he would be left with no choice but to pursue legal action. “I further demand that failing to provide evidence, Tigran Gambaryan must retract his malicious claims and apologize to me within the next seven days or face legal action from my lawyers.”
