House of Representatives member Philip Agbese has sued Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan for alleged defamation of character.
Agbese’s legal action follows Gambaryan’s claims that three Nigerian lawmakers, including Agbese and Peter Akpanke, demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency for his case against the federal government on Fraud and Money laundering charges
The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives had earlier given Gambaryan a seven-day ultimatum to retract the statement and issue a public apology, which he failed to do.
Speaking on Monday, Agbese said he was compelled to approach the court after Gambaryan repeated his accusations instead of withdrawing them.
“My reputation as a citizen, a distinguished congressman, and that of my country is at stake,” Agbese stated. “If I fail to act, posterity will not forgive me.”
The lawmaker, who denies any involvement in cryptocurrency trading, challenged Gambaryan to provide evidence supporting the bribery allegations or face the legal consequences.
Less than three days after his initial statement, Agbese formally filed a suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, seeking N1.5 billion in damages. He is also requesting a court order preventing Gambaryan and his associates from making further defamatory statements and demanding a retraction of the claims.
