Nigerian Senate has denied knowledge of any allegation involving a N68 million transaction linked to the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe.
The position followed claims by businessman Nonso Okafor, who alleged that he was persuaded in October 2024 to provide $100,000 through a senior legislative aide to the senator, identified as Osereme Omofoma.
Mr Okafor said he was told the money would either be returned or recovered through federal government contracts.
Through his lawyer Elochukwu Obi, the businessman later submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), requesting an investigation.
Ireti Kingibe has denied the allegation, stating that she did not receive money from anyone or authorise anyone to collect funds on her behalf for any contract.
Responding to the matter, the chairman of the Senate committee on media and publicity Yemi Adaramodu said the Senate has no record of such a case.
“We don’t have such a case before us. We are not aware of that. We don’t probe into the personal engagement of senators outside the chambers and the National Assembly,” he said.
Mr Adaramodu added that the Senate focuses on lawmaking, oversight and representation and only handles matters formally brought before it.
He said the claim remains an allegation and that the Senate can only act on issues presented to it.
The petition to the anti-corruption agency alleged that Okafor paid $65,000 in October 2024 after repeated requests, with a promise that contracts would be facilitated within weeks.
According to the petition, the contracts did not materialise, and the businessman later demanded a refund.
The lawyer said N50 million was paid in May 2025, leaving an outstanding balance of N68 million.
He asked the commission to investigate the matter and recover the balance.
