A Nigerian businessman, Nonso Okafor, has called on the Senate to formally investigate an alleged N68 million transaction linked to an unfulfilled promise of federal government contracts, implicating the senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe. Okafor also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the lawmaker based on a petition already submitted to the agency.
Petition Details
In an April 27 petition addressed to the anti-graft agency through his lawyer, Elochukwu Obi, Okafor claimed that in October 2024, he was persuaded by a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Kingibe, identified as Osereme Christen Omofoma, to raise $100,000. The aide allegedly assured Okafor that the money would be refunded or compensated through the award of federal government contracts. According to the document, a partial repayment of N50 million was made in June 2025, leaving an outstanding balance of N68 million.
Senator's Denial
Senator Kingibe dismissed the story as false, describing the allegations as baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. However, Okafor maintained that his allegations remain valid. In a chat with our reporter, he said he sought legislative and external intervention after several efforts to recover the balance proved unsuccessful. He insisted that all communications and transactions relating to the deal were properly documented and could be verified by relevant authorities.
Okafor's Statement
“I wrote a letter to the Senate Leader and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. And I also complained to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. He called last year three times in my presence, she did not pick. And also called her the next day, she didn’t get back to him. I want the Senate to investigate the matter. I have more than enough evidence to prove my case,” he said.
Efforts to get a reaction from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, proved abortive, as he neither picked up nor responded to several phone calls and text messages made to him.
