Aluko & Oyebode, the law firm representing Binance Holdings Limited, has raised concerns about the health of Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of the cryptocurrency firm who is currently on trial in Nigeria. The firm warns that Gambaryan’s condition may worsen and could be fatal if he remains in Kuje Correctional Centre.
In a letter to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court (FHC), signed by Partner C.J. Caleb, the law firm highlighted the urgent need for Gambaryan to receive medical treatment at Nizamiye Hospital. The letter, dated and filed on May 23 and seen by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, was titled: “Re: Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/128/2024 – Application for the Provision of Medical Treatment to Mr. Tigran Gambaryan at Nizamiye Hospital.”
“We continue to represent Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, the second defendant in the case before Honourable Justice E. Nwite at Court 9 of the Federal High Court, Abuja,” Caleb wrote. He detailed that Gambaryan, the Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Binance, fell ill on Wednesday, May 22, and received intravenous treatment for malaria in prison.
Caleb expressed deep concern for Gambaryan’s health, noting that he is an American citizen whose condition requires comprehensive medical care unavailable at the Kuje facility, which is currently undergoing renovations. The Consul Officer at the United States Consulate in Abuja emphasized that malaria poses a severe risk to American citizens, who lack immunity against the disease, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
Caleb also noted that Gambaryan is suffering from a throat infection and argued that Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja is better equipped to provide the necessary medical care. The letter called for the court’s urgent attention and a favorable consideration of the request.
The letter follows a decision by Justice Emeka Nwite of the FHC, who declined Gambaryan’s bail application on May 17, citing concerns that Gambaryan would flee due to the strong evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) indicating he is a flight risk. The judge ordered Gambaryan to remain in custody pending the trial’s outcome on charges of money laundering and terrorist financing.
On Thursday, Gambaryan collapsed in court, prompting his lawyer, Mr. Mark Mordi, to request an adjournment and an order for Gambaryan to receive a medical examination. Although the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, did not oppose medical treatment for Gambaryan, he argued against specifying Nizamiye Hospital and stressed the need for secure conditions to prevent an escape.
Justice Nwite ruled that Gambaryan should be treated at Nizamiye Hospital or any suitable facility within the jurisdiction, with adequate security provided by the Correctional Service Authority. He also ordered the release of Gambaryan’s medical examination results to all parties involved. The trial was adjourned until June 20 and June 21 for the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Abdulkadir Abbas, a Director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The EFCC has charged Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan with conspiracy to conceal the origins of illicit financial proceeds, involving $35.4 million. Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan Regional Manager for Africa, is also implicated but remains at large after escaping custody on March 22. A related tax evasion case filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) against Binance and Gambaryan was postponed due to Gambaryan’s absence in court.
