The Nigerian Senate has said it is not aware of any allegation involving a reported ₦68 million transaction reportedly linked to the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe.
themomentng reports that the clarification followed claims made by a businessman, Nonso Okafor, who alleged that he was convinced in October 2024 to provide $100,000 through a senior legislative aide to the lawmaker, identified as Osereme Christen Omofoma.
According to him, he was told the money would either be returned or balanced through the award of federal government contracts.
Okafor, through his lawyer, Elochukwu Obi, later submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), asking the agency to investigate the matter.
The senator at the centre of the allegation had earlier rejected the claims, describing them as false and an attempt to damage her image. However, the businessman has continued to stand by his claims, insisting that his account is accurate.
Speaking on the issue, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, in an interview with Guardian, said the Senate has no record of such a case.
He explained that the legislative body does not handle personal dealings of lawmakers outside official duties.
He added that the Senate focuses on its core responsibilities, which include lawmaking, oversight, and representation, and only addresses matters formally brought before it.
Adaramodu also stated that the claim of abuse of office remains an allegation, noting that the Senate can only act on issues that are officially presented to it.
He said: “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.
“That’s just an allegation. We don’t have a case like this before us. We can only talk of what is before us. We are concerned about any matter that involves lawmaking, oversight and representation.”
