By Paul Joseph
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, has been petitioned before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of collecting N100 million to facilitate a purported Federal Government contract that allegedly never existed.
According to a petition dated April 27 and addressed to the ICPC Chairman, a lawyer, Elochukwu Obi, alleged that his client, Mr. Nonso Okafor, was induced to part with $65,000 equivalent to about N118 million at the time in October 2024.
The petition claimed that the payment followed persistent persuasion by Mr. Osereme Christian Omofoma, identified as a Senior Legislative Aide to the senator.
The aide allegedly requested financial assistance on behalf of the lawmaker, promising either a full refund or facilitation of government contracts through which the money would be recovered.
Obi stated that his client was initially reluctant to participate in the arrangement due to the large sum involved, but later secured the funds through loans obtained at high interest rates after repeated pressure.
The money, according to the petition, was paid in two tranches in October 2024, with assurances that the contract would be awarded within weeks.
However, months passed without any development, raising concerns that the promised deal might not exist.
After waiting in vain, the petitioner said his client began demanding a refund, but allegedly encountered denial from the senator, who reportedly insisted she had not received any payment.
Communication efforts were said to have been redirected through the aide when direct access to the senator became difficult.
The petition further alleged that following threats to involve law enforcement agencies, a partial refund of N50 million was made in May 2025. However, the balance of N68 million remains unpaid.
Obi claimed that attempts were made to compel his client to accept the partial refund as full settlement, allegedly accompanied by threats of arrest if he insisted on recovering the outstanding balance.
He described the actions of the senator and her aide as “deceptive” and alleged that the contract arrangement was a scheme designed to fraudulently obtain money without intention of repayment.
The petitioner urged the ICPC to investigate the matter thoroughly to determine whether any criminal infractions or abuse of office had occurred.
He also called for the recovery of the outstanding N68 million, which he alleged was wrongfully retained.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Senator Kingibe regarding the allegations.
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