TDSenator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the 10th National Assembly, has been petitioned to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of fraud involving a businessman, Mr. Nonso Okafor.
According to a petition filed on April 27, 2026, by lawyer Elochukwu Obi on behalf of Okafor, Senator Kingibe allegedly collected $65,000 (N118 million at the time) to facilitate a Federal Government contract that never materialised.
The petition claims she later denied receiving the money but later refunded only N50 million.
SHe also allegedly threatened to have Okafor arrested when he demanded the outstanding N68 million balance.
How the Alleged Deal with Kingibe Began
The petition states that in October 2024, Kingibe’s Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Osereme Christian Omofoma, approached Okafor, pleading for financial assistance.
Omofoma allegedly asked him to raise $100,000 for the senator to meet urgent financial needs.
He promised repayment or facilitation of Federal Government contracts.
Initially reluctant, Okafor eventually borrowed heavily from friends at high interest rates to raise $65,000.
This he paid in two tranches to Senator Kingibe in October 2024.
He was assured that contracts would follow within weeks.
Alleged Breach of Agreement by Kingibe
Months passed without any contract award for the businessman.
Okafor reportedly realised he had been misled and began pressing for a refund.
The petition alleged that Senator Kingibe shifted from evasiveness to outright denial, claiming she never received the money despite Okafor’s records of payment.
Cut off from direct communication with the senator, Okafor continued pressing through Omofoma.
When he threatened to involve law enforcement, Kingibe’s camp allegedly refunded only N50 million in May 2025.
That left a balance of N68 million unpaid.
Petition to ICPC
The petition urges the ICPC Chairman to investigate whether criminal infractions and abuse of public office occurred.
It also requested ICPC to recover the outstanding funds.
It highlighted the financial strain on Okafor, who borrowed the money at “exorbitant interest rates,” underscoring the seriousness of the alleged fraud.
Public Reaction
The allegations, amplified by political commentator Lere Olayinka, have sparked public debate about accountability among lawmakers.
Critics argue that if proven, the case reflects a troubling misuse of public office and erodes trust in elected officials.
The ICPC is expected to review the petition and determine whether to open a formal investigation.
If substantiated, the case could mark one of the most high-profile corruption probes involving a sitting senator in recent years.
This case highlights the growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s political class, with watchdogs and citizens demanding transparency and accountability in the use of public office.
