Alleged N65m Fraud: Senator Ireti Kingibe Denies Allegations, Ready for ICPC Probe
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied allegations of fraud and abuse of office involving N65 million.
- A businessman accused the senator and an aide of fraudulently obtaining $65,000 (equivalent to over N118 million at the time) for a non-existent federal contract.
- Kingibe has expressed her willingness to cooperate with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to clear her name.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished representative for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th National Assembly, has vehemently refuted accusations of fraud and abuse of office leveled against her by a businessman, Mr. Nonso Okafor. The allegations, which claim the senator was involved in a N65 million fraud, have been dismissed by Kingibe as entirely false, baseless, and a malicious attempt to tarnish her hard-earned reputation.
Attention of Senator Ireti Kingibe has been drawn to a petition and subsequent media reports alleging that she received funds in exchange for facilitating a non-existent federal government contract.
The businessman had lodged a petition with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging that Senator Kingibe, along with her Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Osereme Christen Omofoma, fraudulently obtained $65,000 (equivalent to over N118 million at the time) in October 2024. The claim centers on the facilitation of a non-existent federal government contract.
She wishes to categorically state that these allegations are entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation and integrity as the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory in the 10th National Assembly.
In a strong rebuttal, Senator Kingibe, through her Special Assistant on Media, Matilda Duncan, stated unequivocally that she has never received money from anyone, nor authorized anyone to do so on her behalf, in exchange for any contract or favor. She emphasized her commitment to legislative duties, stating, “I do not engage in, nor do I condone, any form of inducement or financial arrangement tied to the performance of my legislative duties.” She further clarified that contractors receive jobs directly from government agencies, and any aide acting outside her knowledge or consent would be doing so independently.
At no time did Senator Ireti Kingibe request, receive, or authorize anyone to collect money on her behalf in exchange for any contract or favor
Senator Kingibe has welcomed a thorough and transparent investigation by the ICPC or any other relevant authority. She has pledged her full cooperation to ensure the truth prevails and her name is cleared. Her office urges the public to disregard the unverified claims and allow the due process to unfold, reaffirming her dedication to serving the people of the FCT with honesty, accountability, and diligence.
I do not engage in, nor do I condone, any form of inducement or financial arrangement tied to the performance of my legislative duties
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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