Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has strongly denied allegations of bribery leveled against him by Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, demanding that he provide evidence or retract his claims within seven days or face legal action.
Gambaryan had alleged that Agbese was among those who demanded a $150 million bribe from Binance. In response, Agbese issued a statement in Abuja, dismissing the claims as baseless and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
“These allegations are false,” Agbese asserted. “I was not part of any meeting with any Binance executive regarding money for any purpose. The leadership of the Committee took the matter to court, and Binance has already apologized.”
He also clarified that he is not a member of the House Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes, explaining that his only interaction with Binance representatives occurred when he visited his colleague, Hon. Peter Ankpanke, during a meeting involving the Committee.
“It was during this visit to Hon. Peter Ankpanke’s office, with Hon. Peter Anekwe present, that I learned they were interfacing with the Binance team over a referral to their Committee,” he explained. “I never saw those visitors again after that chance meeting and did not attend any further meetings with Binance executives, the EFCC, or the DSS.”
Agbese emphasized that any further inquiries regarding the matter should be directed to the Committee rather than him. He also stated categorically that he has no involvement with cryptocurrency.
“I have never used any cryptocurrency, as I do not have a crypto wallet anywhere in the world, so I could not have asked for funds to be credited to a non-existent wallet,” he stressed.
He further challenged Gambaryan to provide concrete evidence linking him to the alleged bribery.
“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,” Agbese said.
The lawmaker issued a final warning, stating that if Gambaryan fails to provide evidence of his claims, he will pursue legal action.
“I 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.”
Agbese also described the allegations as part of a broader campaign by foreign entities to discredit public office holders perceived as nationalistic.
“This is not the first time attempts have been made to smear my reputation. I will not allow baseless accusations to go unchallenged,” he concluded.
