The news:
- Following a recent court proceeding in Nigeria, Binance has issued an official statement expressing deep concern over the treatment of its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan.
- The statement comes in response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) denial of claims that Gambaryan's health has significantly deteriorated during his detention.
- On Monday, September 2, 2024, during a hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, disputed the severity of Gambaryan’s health condition, maintaining that it’s not as bad as portrayed by his family and legal team.
The EFCC argued that Gambaryan, who has a long-standing herniated disc issue, had been observed walking within the detention facility, contradicting his legal team’s claims that he was bedridden and in critical condition. Partial medical records obtained recommend urgent surgery, Binance claims.
The EFCC has insisted that Gambaryan has received the necessary medical attention during his time in detention, including hospital visits.
This opposition was made in response to a fresh bail application filed by Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi SAN, who cited worsening health and inadequate medical care as grounds for his client’s release.
The latest statement by Binance paints a much grimmer picture of Gambaryan’s health condition.
The company highlighted a video from the court proceedings, which showed Gambaryan in visible pain and distress as he entered the courtroom on crutches, eventually breaking down in tears.
According to Binance, Gambaryan was denied the use of a wheelchair, exacerbating his suffering.
“We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This video is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality. His health is rapidly declining, and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention,” a Binance spokesperson said.
Binance further stated that Gambaryan’s continued detention is unnecessary for resolving any “alleged past issues,” while calling on the Nigerian government to let Gambaryan return home.
The cryptocurrency exchange cited recent resolutions with Brazil and India as examples of how such matters can be handled through constructive dialogue in line with the international standard of doing business, rather than prolonged detention.
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With the bail hearing set to continue on September 4, 2024, Binance revealed that the judge presiding over the case has ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair in future court appearances.
