Paris Club refund: Senator Nwoko denies media report on new claims payment

Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation and Reparation, Senator Ned Nwoko has dismissed as “false and malicious” a recent media report alleging new claims in the long-running Paris Club refund controversy, insisting that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and settled by relevant authorities.

In a statement issued by his Media Team in Abuja, Senator Nwoko, who represents Delta North, said the report was a “distortion of facts” and part of a sustained campaign of misinformation aimed at tarnishing his reputation.

“The attention of Senator Ned Nwoko has been drawn to another wilful and malicious publication by Sahara Reporters alleging fresh claims relating to the Paris Club refund matters.

“The publication is false, misleading, and a distortion of facts that relevant authorities have consistently examined.

“For clarity, four separate investigations have been conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the matter, including a recent review ordered under the current administration.

“All reached the same conclusion: that the contractual work was duly executed, while outstanding balances remain due under established agreements.

“These findings are also supported by official records within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, where all federal payments are processed, documented, and subject to audit.

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“Allegations linking the Senator to any improper collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, are entirely unfounded and malicious.”

Senator Nwoko further alleged that some of these narratives are being actively circulated by individuals, including George Uboh and Omoyele Sowore, whom he believes are driving a sustained misinformation campaign for personal or political purposes.

He maintained that appropriate legal steps have been taken in response to criminal defamatory publications involving the individuals and their affiliated entities.

Worried by the development, Senator Nwoko urged the general public to disregard unverified narratives and rely strictly on official records and established institutional findings.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, we state unequivocally that there is no ‘fresh claim’ and that at no time was $350m paid to Ned Nwoko or his company .

“He remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law,” he noted.