A Nigerian court has adjourned the trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a jailed Binance executive, due to his illness. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former federal agent, missed a scheduled court appearance. Nigerian High Court Judge Emeka Nwite postponed the trial to allow the Binance employee to receive medical treatment.
Trial Postponed for Jailed Ex-US Federal Agent After Court No-Show
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Gambaryan’s Health Problems
A Nigerian court has adjourned the trial of jailed Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan after he missed a scheduled court appearance due to illness. High Court Judge Emeka Nwite adjourned the trial to Oct.25 to allow Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and former federal agent, to receive medical treatment.
This decision comes just over a week after Judge Nwite denied Gambaryan’s application for release on medical grounds, citing the detention facility’s ability to meet his medical needs. However, Gambaryan’s lawyers argue that his health has deteriorated since his transfer to Nigeria’s notorious prison in March.
Gambaryan’s family and U.S. lawmakers have urged both Nigerian and U.S. governments to intervene in the case since his detention over six months ago. Despite growing pressure, Nigeria remains resolute, with some officials accusing the U.S. of interfering in the West African country’s internal affairs.
Detention Weighs on Binance Executive’s Family
Despite the Federal Inland Revenue Service dropping tax evasion charges against Tigran Gambaryan and fellow Binance employee Nadeem Anjarwalla, Gambaryan remains in detention. This has sparked accusations that Nigeria is using Gambaryan’s detention to extort money from Binance.
Binance has made Gambaryan’s release one of two conditions for seeking registration with the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission.
Gambaryan’s prolonged detention is taking a toll on his family. His mother has joined calls for his release, while his wife, Yuki, has criticized Nigeria’s decision to deny her husband adequate medical care. Gambaryan’s wife signaled her growing frustration but vowed to continue fighting.
“It is completely unjust to deny someone in Tigran’s condition the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help and I just pray that when he is finally released that the damage he is suffering is not permanent. I am exhausted and deeply disappointed, but I will continue fighting for my husband’s rightful freedom,” Yuki Gambaryan said.
Should Gambaryan have been detained? Share your thoughts in the comments.
