The ongoing detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior executive at Binance, has reached a critical juncture as his health continues to deteriorate rapidly. Arrested in February on charges of financial misconduct—charges that were later dropped in June—Gambaryan remains in custody under conditions that have sparked international outrage.
Mondo-Advisory, the communications firm representing the Gambaryan family, has raised alarm over the executive’s worsening health. Gambaryan is reportedly suffering from a herniated disc that requires risky surgery, severe throat infections, pneumonia, and a history of malaria, which have all been compounded by the lack of appropriate medical care in prison. His condition has become so dire that his family and legal team are demanding his immediate release to access necessary medical treatment.
The situation is further exacerbated by the denial of legal counsel since July 26, a violation of Gambaryan’s fundamental human rights. Reports indicate that his legal team has been barred from meeting with him at the Kuje Correctional Centre, leaving him isolated and unable to mount a defense against the charges that have kept him behind bars. This denial of legal access has severely hindered his ability to challenge his detention, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the legal process.
Gambaryan was transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre in April after pleading not guilty to money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and tax evasion charges from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). While the FIRS has since removed Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from its tax evasion suit—leaving Binance as the sole defendant—the EFCC has continued to oppose his bail, arguing that he poses a flight risk.
The Nigerian court system’s delay has only compounded the situation. With the court in Abuja on recess from mid-July to September, the next hearing in Gambaryan’s tax evasion trial is not scheduled until October. This extended period of detention has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, with members of the United States Congress submitting a resolution in July urging the Nigerian government to release Gambaryan immediately. The resolution expressed concern over the potential for “undue” detention during the court’s recess and called for Gambaryan to receive unrestricted access to medical care and full consular access in accordance with Nigeria’s international obligations.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has made a heartfelt appeal to the Nigerian government, pleading for her husband’s release so he can receive the medical care he urgently needs. Binance and its CEO, Richard Teng, have also voiced their support, calling for Gambaryan’s immediate release and emphasizing that he should not be held responsible for ongoing legal matters involving the company.
As Gambaryan’s health continues to decline, the pressure on the Nigerian government to act is intensifying. The international community is watching closely, and the Nigerian authorities face mounting calls to address this humanitarian crisis, uphold the principles of justice, and ensure that Gambaryan’s basic human rights are respected. The world is waiting to see if Nigeria will heed these calls or continue down a path that risks further damage to its international standing.
