A member of the House of Representatives representing Aguta Federal Constituency in Anambra State, Dominic Okafor, has denied receiving $140 million bribe from cryptocurrency platform Binance.
An online news platform (Not The Star) had alleged that Okafor received $140 million bribe from Binance Executive Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped from detention in Abuja.
Anjarwalla was being investigated over his alleged involvement in tax evasion and terrorism sponsorship.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, May 10, 2024, the lawmaker elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) denied the allegation, threatening to take action against the media organisation.
He denied knowledge of such transaction with the company, describing the report as an attempt to tarnish the “image and integrity I have earned over the years”.
Okafor said he moved a motion in the House to call for an investigation into Anjarwalla’s escape from custody.
FG: Binance bribery allegation false, attempt to undermine us
Okafor said: “Shortly after I moved that motion which was well received and a lot of people were calling to commend me; I started getting calls from my friends all over the world saying I collected bribe from this very company.
“I wrote a letter to them which I copied the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“I asked them to retrieve the information within 24 hours if not I will take legal action against them. I am here to exonerate myself from such accusations aimed at tarnishing my image which I have earned over the years.”
The lawmaker added that he joined politics from the private sector and has been a member of the Rotary International Club for over 25 years.
He said the motion which prayed for investigation and a re-arrest of Binance executive was in the interest of the country and nothing more.
“For the online media man who accused me of collecting $140 million, I do not think that it is something we would sweep under the carpet. I am discussing with my legal team to know the right action to take,” Okafor said.
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