A Nigerian businessman, Nonso Okafor, has called on the Senate to launch a formal investigation into an alleged ₦68 million transaction involving the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, over claims linked to unfulfilled federal contract promises.
Okafor also urged the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to widen its probe into the matter, stating that he has already submitted a petition through his legal representatives.
According to the petition, the businessman alleged that he was persuaded in October 2024 by a senior legislative aide connected to the senator to raise $100,000 under the promise that he would either be refunded or compensated through federal government contracts.
He further claimed that a partial repayment of ₦50 million was made in June 2025, leaving an outstanding balance of ₦68 million yet to be recovered.
The businessman insisted that all communications and transactions were properly documented and can be verified by relevant authorities, adding that repeated attempts to recover the balance had failed, prompting him to escalate the matter to the Senate and anti-graft agencies.
However, the senator at the centre of the allegation has denied any wrongdoing, describing the claims as false and an attempt to damage her reputation.
Reacting to the controversy, Senate officials stated that they have no record of any formal case before the chamber, stressing that the legislature does not investigate private financial dealings unless officially brought before it.
The Senate also clarified that its oversight function is limited to matters formally presented for legislative action, while personal disputes between individuals fall outside its jurisdiction unless they involve public office misconduct formally established through due process.
The development has sparked public debate around accountability and the growing number of financial disputes involving political figures and private individuals, particularly where alleged promises of government contracts are involved.
Legal observers note that such cases often highlight gaps in trust between private investors and political intermediaries, especially in environments where access to government contracts is perceived as highly influential.
The ICPC is expected to review the petition and determine whether the allegations warrant further investigation or formal action.
For now, the matter remains a disputed claim between both parties, pending verification by relevant authorities.