EXCLUSIVE: Lawmaker’s Extortion Scandal How Rep. Oforji Swindling Exam Bodies for Millions in Kickbacks

A deeply troubling corruption scandal has erupted within Nigeria’s House of Representatives, with Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, Chairman of Basic Examination Bodies, now exposed for allegedly demanding millions in kickbacks from the country’s major examination agencies and launching a vengeful probe when they refused to pay.

Strong-Arm Tactics and Retaliation
Hon. Oforji is accused of repeatedly pressuring key examination bodies including WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and JAMB to hand over a significant share of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), purportedly for “committee use.” When the agencies resisted these unlawful demands, Oforji weaponized his constitutional powers under Sections 88 and 89, initiating a so-called “performance audit” and demanding sensitive financial documents under the guise of legislative oversight.

Rigged Audits and Targeted Harassment
Behind the scenes, Oforji allegedly hired and later fired a consultant for refusing to help implicate uncooperative exam body CEOs. He then brought in a second consultant with clear instructions to find or fabricate evidence against officials who declined to divert public funds into his pockets.

Committee Revolt: “He Used Our Names, Kept the Money
Fellow committee members have broken their silence, accusing Oforji of operating a one-man extortion scheme. They reveal that he:
Secured ₦62.7 million for an official event that never took place, Diverted the full amount into the committee’s Zenith Bank account (No. 1311194060) Refused to release funds to members, preventing their participation and returned only ₦43 million when confronted — leaving ₦19.7 million unaccounted for

In a separate incident, Oforji obtained funds for an official trip to London, claiming it was committee business — then went alone and kept the money.

A Betrayal of Public Trust
This isn’t just corruption — it Nigeria’s educational integrity. By threatening the agencies responsible for safeguarding national exams, Oforji has compromised the credibility of the very institutions millions of students depend on.