Nigeria’s Federal Government has responded to claims of poor prison conditions for Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan, asserting that he receives quality medical care and complete consular services. Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, issued a rebuttal statement on Friday, June 21, emphasizing adherence to lawful trial and judicial integrity.
Idris’ statement comes after two United States Members of Congress, Representative French Hill (Republican) and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat), visited Gambaryan at the Kuje Detention facility on June 19, 2024, and shared a video of the visit, calling for his release.
In his statement, Idris clarified that Gambaryan’s detention is based on a court order and only the court has the authority to alter the terms or order his release. The minister emphasized that despite being in lawful custody, Gambaryan has access to necessary healthcare services.
Idris also highlighted that Gambaryan is receiving full consular support from his home government and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting his basic rights, including access to quality healthcare and a fair trial as he faces legal proceedings in Nigeria.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to follow the example of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and release her husband, citing the FIRS’s recent withdrawal of charges as a precedent. The U.S. lawmakers supported her appeal, stating that Tigran has dedicated his professional life to combating money laundering and tax evasion, with a successful career as an IRS Special Agent leading cyber and financial crime investigations for ten years.
During the June 21 hearing, Abdulkadir Abbas, a director at the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), resumed his testimony in the EFCC’s case against Binance and Gambaryan, reiterating that Binance had not obtained the necessary registration to operate in Nigeria. The case has been adjourned to July 1 for the continuation of cross-examination.
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