The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has disputed health concerns raised by the family and legal team of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive facing money laundering charges in Nigeria.
On September 2, 2024, in the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC lead counsel Ekene Iheanacho informed Justice Emeka Nwite that Gambaryan’s reported health issues were “not as serious” as claimed by his family. This statement came in response to a new bail application filed by Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi SAN, who requested his release to address alleged health problems.
The controversy began when Gambaryan’s family reported on August 26, 2024, that the executive, detained for six months, was suffering from severe pain due to a herniated disk and had been denied appropriate medical care. They claimed this condition had left him unable to walk, necessitating blood thinners to prevent blood clots, and resulting in muscle atrophy.
The Nigerian government accuses Gambaryan and another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, of conspiring to conceal $35.4 million in illicit financial proceeds.
Previously, on July 30, 2024, Justice Nwite issued a bench warrant for Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre, after he failed to provide Gambaryan’s medical report or appear in court. The judge had previously ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to produce this report, warning of consequences for non-compliance.
At the latest court session, Gambaryan’s lawyer argued for bail based on the deteriorating health of his client, emphasizing the urgency due to the lack of a medical report. Iheanacho countered, presenting medical records that suggested Gambaryan’s condition was not as severe as portrayed. He argued that the prison authorities had provided appropriate care, including hospital visits, and noted that Gambaryan was reportedly walking within the facility.
Gambaryan himself acknowledged his long-standing condition but argued that inadequate treatment had led to permanent nerve damage.
Justice Nwite has adjourned the case to September 4, 2024. Meanwhile, a Securities and Exchange Commission director informed the court that Binance’s platform influences Nigeria’s exchange rate.
Binance and its executives are also facing separate suits from the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax evasion, though the FIRS has dropped its case against the executives. Additionally, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla have initiated a fundamental rights case against Nigerian authorities, claiming violations of their constitutional rights.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were detained on February 28, 2024. While the family continues to advocate for his release, the EFCC maintains that proper care has been provided.
