A bench warrant has been issued by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja for the arrest of Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The warrant was issued after Ehizojie failed to produce a medical report for Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan or appear in court as previously instructed.
During the court session, Gambaryan’s lawyer revealed that the Nigerian Correctional Service had not provided the requested medical report, despite being warned against noncompliance by Justice Nwite. A prison official confirmed that the court order had been delivered to the doctor, but he was absent from court.
Gambaryan, who appeared in court in a wheelchair due to severe back pain, requested immediate medical diagnosis and treatment. His lawyer emphasized the importance of considering Gambaryan’s deteriorating health condition.
Expressing surprise at the medical officer’s absence, the Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) supported the bench warrant request and proposed that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for a 24-hour medical checkup under full security.
Justice Nwite criticized the disregard for court orders and issued the bench warrant for Dr. Ehizojie. He also ordered Gambaryan’s transfer to Nizamiye Hospital for medical examination. The case was adjourned to October 11 for further proceedings.
Despite facing charges of money laundering and foreign exchange violations alongside Binance, Gambaryan’s family and legal team continue to advocate for his immediate medical treatment and release. Gambaryan’s wife expressed deep concern over her husband’s health and urged for the Nigerian government to prioritize his well-being.
In addition to the legal battles, Binance is also dealing with a separate lawsuit from the Federal Inland Revenue Service for tax evasion. The Nigerian government has accused Binance and its executives of conspiring to conceal the origins of $35,400,000 in financial proceeds from alleged unlawful activities in Nigeria.
As Binance faces these challenges, the question of how much enforcement is too much in the crypto industry arises.