Binance: Rep Okafor denies $140m bribery allegation
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives’ Committee on Delegated Legislation, Mr Dominic Okafor says there is no truth in thd claim that he demanded for a bribe amounting to $140 from the Binance Executives.
Speaking at a press conference held at the National Assembly complex, Abuja, he threatened to take legal action against those bandying his name on the issue.
The lawmaker spoke barely 24 hours after sponsoring a motion to investigate the mysterious escape of an executive of a crypto currency exchange Company, Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, in a security breach which occurred while in a Guest House under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
READ ALSO: Binance claims Nigerian officials demanded secret crypto payment
Okafor who expressed grave displeasure over series of calls received after the resolution passed by the House, Hon. Okafor said: “I am here this afternoon to talk about the false information that has been going on in the social media since after the sponsorship of my motion on Wednesday, 8th May a motion of urgent national importance which I talked about the need to investigate the escape from custody of one of the executives of Binance, Mr. Nadir Anjewala.
“Shortly after I moved that motion which was well received and a lot of people were calling to commend me. Shortly after that, I started getting calls from my friends all over the world saying I collected bribe from this very company.
“I got worried and after that did a letter to Premium Times, the media company that originated the story. I did a letter to them which I copied the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and DSS.
READ ALSO: Nigeria accuses Binance of blackmail over bribery allegation
“I asked them to retrieve the information within 24 hours if not I take legal action against them.
“That is why I am here to exonerate myself from such accusation aimed at tarnishing my image which I have earned over the years.
“I am coming from the private sector. I have been a member of Rotary International for over 25 years. For those of you who know what Rotary means and what they stand for. And someone wants to tarnish that image and integrity I have built over the years.
“I never knew anything about such transactions. Rather I moved a motion of national importance, something I feel because of my interest in the country Nigeria and for any personal interest.
“The motion I moved has to do with investigation to find out how Nadir Njewala escaped from the custody of national security and has nothing to do with bribery or no bribery. It is still a mystery to me. I wouldn’t know how it emanated.”
Hon. Okafor who threatened legal action if the report is not pulled down, explained that he has been discussing with his legal advisers on the next line of action to take.
READ ALSO: Canada fines Binance $4.38 million for money laundering
“This thing happened yesterday. So, we are looking at all the circumstances, so we look at the right legal action to take.
“For the the online media man that accused me of collecting $140 million I don’t think that is something we would sweep under the carpet. I am discussing with my legal team to know the right action to take.”
