Nigerian Muslim Group Pressures Lawmakers to Investigate Alleged USAID Ties to Boko Haram…Binance Official Alleges $150M Bribe Request in Nigeria…Angry Mob Burns Police Station Over Alleged Torture Death…Accidental Airstrike in Nigeria Kills 7
● Muslim Advocacy Group Demands Probe into Alleged USAID Funding of Boko Haram
A Nigerian Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) is calling on Nigeria’s legislature, the National Assembly, to investigate claims that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may have funded Boko Haram.
These allegations came from U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who suggested USAID might have financially supported the terrorist group responsible for thousands of deaths in Nigeria.
“We urge the National Assembly to take immediate action by launching a full investigation into these claims. Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability regarding any foreign involvement in funding terrorism on our soil,” said MPAC Executive Chairman Disu Kamor as reported by The Guardian.
The group is also urging the U.S. government to investigate, insisting American taxpayers have a right to know if their money was misused. MPAC says justice must be served, and anyone funding terrorism must be held accountable.
● Binance Executive Alleges $150 Million Bribe Demand by Nigerian Lawmakers; Government Denies Claims
A Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, claims Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe while the government detained him for months over allegations of financial crimes.
Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, was arrested alongside colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla in February 2024 after traveling to Nigeria for talks with officials. The Nigerian government accused Binance of currency manipulation and money laundering. Anjarwalla later escaped custody, leaving Gambaryan to face prosecution.
In a post on X, Gambaryan said three lawmakers set up “fake cameras” for a staged meeting before demanding a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency. “A Mickey Mouse operation at its best,” he wrote.
Nigeria’s Information Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed the claims as “outrageous” and “defamatory.” “The government rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment in exchange for Mr. Gambaryan’s freedom, in favor of a more beneficial settlement with the American government,” the Minister stated.
Gambaryan, who was released in October 2024 after U.S. intervention, insists his detention was politically motivated and meant to pressure Binance into a settlement.
● Angry Youths Burn Police Station in Nigeria Over Alleged Custody Death
Youths in Ifon, Ondo State, Nigeria, set a police station on fire after a young boy allegedly died from torture while in custody, sources told Peoples Gazette on Sunday.
The unrest began after police arrested two boys following a fight on Friday, February 14th. By Saturday, one was reportedly dead, and the other was in a coma. “The development got the other boys who happened to be their friends angry, and they moved to the divisional police station, chasing away the officers before setting it on fire,” a source said.
Police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the attack and said Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi had visited the scene and made sure that order was restored.
● Military Airstrike Kills 7 Civilians in Nigeria
A military airstrike mistakenly killed seven civilians in Yauni, Katsina State, Nigeria, after security forces engaged bandits in a gunfight, Daily Trust reported.
The clash began when bandits allegedly planned to attack voters in Zakka village during local elections. Security forces intervened, leading to a shootout that left two police officers and a community watchguard dead. A third officer later died from injuries.
Following the battle, a military jet likely sent for reinforcement bombed Yauni, killing six family members and injuring a woman, a local resident said.
Officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the incident, which adds to a growing list of accidental military airstrikes in Katsina State.
Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
