Nwoko Denies Fresh Paris Club Claims, Cites EFCC Clearance

Senator Ned Nwoko has dismissed reports alleging fresh claims in the protracted Paris Club refund controversy, insisting that the matter has been thoroughly investigated and resolved by relevant authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued by his media team in Abuja, the senator representing Delta North described a recent publication by Sahara Reporters as “false and malicious,” accusing it of distorting facts and fuelling a sustained campaign to tarnish his reputation.

“The publication is false, misleading, and a distortion of facts that relevant authorities have consistently examined,” the statement said.

According to the statement, the EFCC has conducted no fewer than four separate investigations into the consultancy agreement linked to the Paris Club refunds, including a recent review reportedly ordered under the current administration.

“For clarity, four separate investigations have been conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on the matter, including a recent review ordered under the current administration,” it said.

“All investigations reached the same conclusion: that the contractual work was duly executed, while outstanding balances remain due under established agreements.”

The statement added that the findings are supported by official records within key government institutions.

“These findings are also supported by official records within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria, where all federal payments are processed, documented, and subject to audit,” it noted.

It also rejected allegations of any improper collaboration between the senator and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.

“Allegations linking the Senator to any improper collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, are entirely unfounded and malicious,” the statement said.

The senator further alleged that some individuals are behind what he described as a misinformation campaign.

“The Senator further notes that some of these narratives are being actively circulated… for personal or political purposes,” the statement added, noting that legal steps have been taken in response to what it termed “criminal defamatory publications.”

He urged the public to rely on verified information and official findings.

“The Senator urges the public to disregard unverified narratives and rely strictly on official records and established institutional findings,” the statement said.

The statement stressed that there is no fresh claim relating to the Paris Club refunds and denied any payment of $350 million to the senator or any company linked to him.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity, we state unequivocally that there is no ‘fresh claim’ and that at no time was $350m paid to Ned Nwoko or his company,” it stated.

“He remains committed to due process, transparency, and the rule of law,” the statement concluded.