$150m bribe: Ribadu ‘incapable’ of Binance executive’s allegations — Ben Murray-Bruce

A former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has said the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu is incapable of bribery allegations levelled against him by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited.

Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024 as part of a federal investigation into alleged money laundering and economic destabilisation linked to Binance’s operations in the country.

The Binance executive had alleged that some members of the House of Representatives demanded a $150 million bribe from him during a meeting in Abuja to halt the probe.

He also claimed that Ribadu sought significant “payouts from Binance for his political ambition.”

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Earlier, the Federal Government dismissed the allegations, with the Minister of Information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris describing Gambaryan’s allegations as “outrageous” and “defamatory”.

Defending Ribadu, Murray-Bruce stated that the NSA was incapable of such acts and criticised Gambaryan’s claims, suggesting that the Binance executive should be grateful for his release, as Ribadu could have ensured he remained imprisoned for life.

In a post on his X handle, Murray-Bruce wrote, “I have known Mallam Nuhu Ribadu my entire life, and I can say with absolute certainty that he is incapable of the allegations being levelled against him. I challenge @TigranGambaryan to undergo a lie detector test if he genuinely believes the claims he has made.

“It is exhausting to witness individuals repeatedly dragging Nigeria’s name through the mud with baseless accusations and fabricated evidence.

“@TigranGambaryan should consider himself fortunate to have been allowed to leave because if Nuhu had his way, I am supremely confident he would have ensured that he remained behind bars for a hundred years. I swear on my life—Girma is lying, and I demand that @TigranGambaryan submit to a lie detector test in a neutral country, excluding both the United States and Nigeria.”

Murray-Bruce further accused Gambaryan of tarnishing Nigeria’s reputation with baseless accusations and suggested that he should begin drafting a public apology when he fails the test.

“Furthermore, I hope @TigranGambaryan begins drafting the public apology he will inevitably have to issue once he fails that test. Individuals like him must be decisively dealt with, ensuring that such reckless fabrications are not only exposed but also serve as a warning to other deceitful actors who seek to undermine Nigeria,” he wrote.