HoR Member Onwusibe Responds to Binance Accusation on $150 Million Bribe

Mr. Gambaryan named Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Pete Akpanke, the lawmaker representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency, and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe as the lawmakers who “set up fake cameras” to create the illusion of an official meeting, only to demand cryptocurrency bribes deposited into their personal wallets from Binance.

In his statement, Hon. Onwusibe explained that when the House established a committee to investigate allegations of breach and non-compliance regarding Binance’s operations in Nigeria, the committee had reached out to Binance Managing Director Richard Teng to appear before them. They agreed on 10th January 2024 for the appearance, but according to Onwusibe, Binance contacted the committee beforehand requesting a pre-hearing to better understand the summons.

Hon. Onwusibe stated that he was absent from the initial meeting and delegated three Committee members and a clerk to meet and provide Binance with details regarding the allegations. He emphasized that no solicitation or demands were made to the Binance Executive.

While the case is before the court, he mentioned that the Binance Executive did not appear at the scheduled hearing and instead sent a counsel in their place. In a statement released on Friday, Onwusibe mentioned that Richard Teng and Binance initially referred to “unknown persons” who made demands after they departed from the pre-hearing, which contradicts the current allegations.

Onwusibe also refuted claims that the Department of State Services (SSS) was involved in the investigation, asserting that he was unaware of any meeting between Binance and the SSS on January 5, 2024. Furthermore, he denied any congressional investigation involving the committee and the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly NSA Nuhu Ribadu, whom Gambaryan alleged “wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambitions.”

Mr. Onwusibe criticized Nigerians for believing a foreign enterprise who should be held accountable for violating local laws and regulations without hearing from the lawmakers involved. He labelled it unfair that Nigerians tend to believe the worst about their public officials. Additionally, he called out those who maligned him, the Labour Party, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Igbo tribe for issues unrelated to them.