A Nigerian businessman, Nonso Okafor, has issued a final demand for the refund of N68 million, alleging that the money was part of a failed arrangement involving a promise of Federal Government contracts from Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly.
Allegations of Persuasion and Payment
In a letter written by his lawyer, Elochukwu Obi, Okafor claimed that he was persuaded in October 2024 by a Senior Legislative Aide identified as Osereme Christen Omofoma to raise $100,000 on behalf of a political office holder for an “urgent purpose.” The letter stated that the aide assured him the money would either be refunded or compensated through the award of Federal Government contracts.
The petitioner said he mobilized the funds from associates at high interest rates and paid the amount in two installments, based on assurances that contracts would be secured for his company within a short period. However, he alleged that no contract was awarded after several months of waiting and repeated follow-ups.
Meeting and Partial Repayment
The letter further stated that concerns over the delay led to a meeting between Okafor and the legislator at her office, but the outcome did not provide clarity on the promised contracts. According to the document, a partial repayment of N50 million was made in June 2025, leaving an outstanding balance of N68 million. Okafor maintained that the amount repaid did not reflect the full sum initially provided and insisted on complete reimbursement.
The legal representative argued that the circumstances suggest there was no genuine intention from the outset to facilitate any contract, describing the arrangement as a scheme used to obtain funds under false pretenses.
Lawmaker's Denial
In her reaction, Kingibe dismissed the story as false, describing the allegations as baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. In a statement issued yesterday by her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, the lawmaker maintained that she was not involved in any such financial arrangement and urged the public to disregard the claims.
