Binance Holdings Limited has expressed its willingness to resolve any “alleged past issues” with the Nigerian Government and called for the immediate release of its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan.
Gambaryan, a senior executive at the cryptocurrency trading platform, was arraigned on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering. During his court appearance, Gambaryan, who appeared visibly distressed and in pain, was denied a wheelchair and had to enter the courtroom on crutches. His legal team has since filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing restricted access to him for trial preparation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), however, opposed the bail application.
In a statement sent to the Daily Post made , Binance condemned the Nigerian Government’s decision to deny Gambaryan the use of a wheelchair, highlighting a video circulating online that shows the executive in evident pain. The company emphasized that Gambaryan’s health is deteriorating rapidly and expressed deep concern over the long-term consequences of his continued detention.
The judge presiding over the case has ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair, with a bail hearing set to continue on September 4th.
“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,” said a spokesperson for Binance.
Binance further stated that the detention of Gambaryan is unnecessary for the resolution of any alleged past issues and urged the Nigerian Government to allow him to return home. The company cited its recent agreements with Brazil and India as examples of how historical issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue and adherence to legal standards, calling this the “international standard of doing business.”
“We continue to implore the Government of Nigeria to let Tigran return home and let us continue in our engagements,” the statement concluded.