- Binance exec Tigran Gambaryan still remains in Nigerian jail after over 100 days.
- US lawmakers report Tigran Gambaryan is suffering behind bars.
- The Nigerian government rejects US lawmakers’ complaints.
What started as a benign visit in February spiraled into an unending nightmare for Binance’s Chief Financial Crime Compliance Officer, Tigran Gambaryan, who still remains jailed in Nigeria. Despite global criticism, including pressure from the US, Nigeria shows no sign of easing its harsh treatment, leading to the US lawmakers taking things into their own hands.
With a single mission in mind, to free Gambaryan, former US Federal agents landed in Nigeria, only to find the Binance executive allegedly enduring brutal conditions, prompting an urgent call for his immediate release.
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Yet, despite these appeals, the Nigerian government remains steadfast in its stance, showing no intention of backing down.
Nigeria Rejects Complaints About Gambaryan’s Jail Conditions
The Nigerian government, through a statement posted on the social media of Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, rejected US lawmakers’ account of Gambaryan’s treatment in jail.
In stark contrast to the US lawmakers’ account, Idris maintained that the Binance executive has ‘access to quality medical care whenever required’ and is receiving consular services from the US.
Earlier this week, Reps. French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who visited Gambryan, reported finding him suffering from malaria and double pneumonia. They noted that the Binance executive had lost significant weight and was denied adequate medical attention.
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Idris responded to these allegations by stating,
“The Federal Government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”
Although Nigeria dropped the tax evasion charges on June 14, Gambaryan still remains detained, awaiting trial on separate money laundering charges slated for July 1.
While members of Congress, former federal prosecutors, and federal agents rally to the Biden administration, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, to step in, the Nigerian government remains resolute and shows no sign of bending or letting external pressures sway the proceedings.
On the Flipside
- Nigerian authorities are still on the hunt for Nadeem Anjarwalla and are reportedly seeking an Interpol red notice to extradite him from Kenya.
- Although Gambaryan isn’t specifically connected to the charges, Nigerian authorities maintain that local laws justify the apprehension and service of Gambaryan as a stand-in for Binance in the ongoing case.
Why This Matters
Gambaryan has been behind bars for over 100 days. Despite visits from US lawmakers and mounting political pressure, Nigerian authorities remain determined to take the Binance executive to trial. Gambaryan can only hope the anti-graft agency will follow the example of the FIRS, which dropped its tax evasion charges earlier this month.
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