Nigerian Court Denies Bail for Binance Exec Amid Health Concerns

Highlights:

• Tigran Gambaryan’s bail was denied despite his legal team’s claims of urgent medical needs.
• The US government is advocating for Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds, citing health concerns.
• Nigerian courts argue that Kuje Prison can manage Gambaryan’s health despite his worsening condition.

A Nigerian court has denied bail to Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan today. Tigran has been in detention since February, facing charges of money laundering and currency manipulation. The Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that his health concerns could be managed in prison and that he would remain at Kuje Prison.

Tigran Gambaryan, a @binance executive, was denied bail on health grounds by a Nigerian judge, continuing his detention in Nigeria where he faces allegations of money laundering and currency manipulation.

Despite claims of severe health issues, including the need for medical… pic.twitter.com/dlD0O7l8YW

— CryptoTvplus (@Cryptotvplus) October 11, 2024

Gambaryan had requested bail on medical grounds, citing several health issues. His legal team argued that he required surgery outside the prison due to a herniated disc. The court, however, found no proof that the Nigerian Correctional Service was incapable of treating him.

Judge Emeka Nwite stated:

“There is no evidence before this court that the Nigerian Correctional Service cannot handle the health challenges of the accused.” 

This is the second time his bail request has been denied. His previous appeal for bail in May was also rejected because there is a likelihood that he will manage to jump bail. The court emphasized that this new application amounted to an abuse of the judicial process. The trial has been adjourned until October 18.

Health Issues Complicate Gambaryan’s Detention

Gambaryan’s deteriorating health has become a key focus in his legal battle. His lawyer, Mark Mordi, argued that the prison’s facilities were insufficient for treating Gambaryan’s worsening condition. The Binance executive has been relying on a crutch due to complications from a herniated disc. Additionally, his lawyer revealed that Gambaryan has been suffering from malaria, pneumonia, and tonsillitis.

Despite the argument, the court ruled that the prison could provide the necessary medical care. The decision has raised concerns about Gambaryan’s long-term health. His legal team continues to argue that his conditions require treatment outside the prison system.

Family Appeals for Justice

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has spoken out against the court’s decision. She expressed her frustration over his continued detention. Yuki maintains that her husband was not responsible for Binance’s alleged financial dealings in Nigeria. She has repeatedly called for his release due to his deteriorating health. 

She fears that if he remains in prison, his health will worsen, potentially leading to permanent damage. Yuki has vowed to keep fighting for her husband’s freedom. Her concerns have drawn attention from human rights groups and international organizations.

US Government Pushes for Gambaryan’s Release

Last month, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution calling for Gambaryan’s immediate release. They expressed concerns over his treatment in Nigeria. US lawmakers have since pushed for his release, emphasizing the geopolitical implications of such incidents on international cryptocurrency operations.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the case, citing Gambaryan’s severe health issues. The US sees Gambaryan’s detention as both a legal and humanitarian concern. 

Gambaryan has denied all charges against him. The case gained more attention in March when fellow Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla escaped from custody. Binance has also been accused of engaging in financial crimes in Nigeria.