Binance executive Gambaryan faces 8 months in Nigeria custody with latest trial delay

Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan will remain detained in Nigeria until at least October, as the Federal High Court has adjourned his money laundering trial.

On July 16, Justice Emeka Nwite postponed the trial to Oct. 11 because a court-ordered medical report for Gambaryan was missing.

This latest delay means Gambaryan will have been in Nigerian custody for around eight months by October, having been detained since February 2024.

Gambaryan was initially held in a guest house in Abuja with another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who escaped in March.

Gambaryan was later transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) money laundering charges.

Health situation

Gambaryan’s health appears to be declining, as he arrived in court in a wheelchair on July 16.

Earlier this month, Justice Nwite ordered prison management to produce Gambaryan’s medical certificate by July 16. His lawyer, Mark Mordi, highlighted the failure to comply with this order, stressing that his client’s health was worsening.

In response, the judge issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Abuja prison doctor Abraham Ehizojie for failing to appear with the medical report. Additionally, he directed that Gambaryan be admitted to a hospital for proper treatment.

This development is the latest twist in Gambaryan’s ongoing trial. In May, Gambaryan collapsed in court and was subsequently visited by US lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who reported he had malaria and pneumonia.

However, the Nigerian government refuted these claims, insisting that Gambaryan is receiving fair treatment and access to quality medical care.

Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated:

“Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government. 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.”

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