The Traffic

Shocking Binance Scandal: Detained Executive Alleges $150 Million Bribe Demand from Nigerian Lawmakers, SSS Involvement, and NSA’s Billion-Dollar Ambition

By Achimi Muktar

A high-ranking Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has made explosive allegations against Nigeria’s political and security elite, claiming that lawmakers, with the backing of the State Security Service (SSS), demanded a staggering $150 million bribe from the cryptocurrency giant. He also accused National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of seeking billions to fund his presidential ambitions.

In a statement posted on his official X handle, Mr. Gambaryan, who was detained for eight months under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, alleged that the SSS not only facilitated but also pressured Binance to comply with the lawmakers' demands.

The House of Reps ‘Mickey Mouse’ Bribe Demand

According to Mr. Gambaryan, three members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives—Philip Agbese (Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo), Pete Akpanke (Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku), and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe—staged a deceptive meeting, complete with fake cameras, to create an illusion of official proceedings before demanding a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency.

“They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in,” Mr. Gambaryan revealed. “As you may already know, this ended with them asking for a $150 million bribe, paid in cryptocurrency, into their personal wallets. A Mickey Mouse operation at its best.”

Before this encounter, he said Binance executives were summoned to the SSS office on January 5, 2024, where the security agency allegedly reinforced the lawmakers' demand.

NSA Ribadu’s Alleged Power Play

Mr. Gambaryan further accused NSA Nuhu Ribadu of using his position to attempt to extract billions from Binance for personal political ambitions.

“Ribadu emphasised that he wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition. However, when the corruption scandal came to light, he was trapped—because any settlement would now be perceived as a bribe. I guess he really wanted his boss’ job,” he stated.

He went on to claim that Mr. Ribadu’s actions led to diplomatic fallout between Nigeria and the United States.

“Ribadu acting like an asshole angered the White House and led to diplomatic repercussions—the U.S. limited visas to the Nigerian delegation for UNGA, and Biden refused to meet with Tinubu until my situation was resolved. In the end, Ribadu overestimated his influence. They thought they could secure a quick win, but instead, they created an international incident, exposing his incompetence on a global scale.”

Denials and Damage Control

Attempts to reach Mr. Ribadu for a response were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the NSA’s office went unanswered. Meanwhile, the SSS has remained silent, having temporarily shut down its media office and reassigned its former spokesperson.

Lawmaker Philip Agbese dismissed the accusations, calling Mr. Gambaryan a “drowning man” desperate to save himself.

“The allegations have been investigated by the Committee on Economic and Financial Crimes. They have addressed a press conference on the matter,” Mr. Agbese stated. “The matter is in court.”

He also attacked Binance’s credibility, claiming cryptocurrency transactions often involve criminals.

His colleague, Mr. Onwusibe, declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

With these allegations now in the open, the controversy surrounding Binance’s detention in Nigeria has taken a dramatic new turn, placing intense scrutiny on the country’s lawmakers and security agencies.