- The most recent hearing in Tigran Gambaryan’s case in Nigeria was marked with confusion and concern.
- Prison officials claim the Binance executive is “very sick.”
- Gambaryan’s health is rapidly deteriorating in Nigerian detention.
232 days. That’s how long pioneer crypto investigator and Binance Chief Financial Crime Officer Tigran Gambaryan has been detained in Nigeria for the alleged crimes of his employers. Specifically, Gambaryan has been charged with money laundering along with the exchange.
After a second failed bail attempt , the Binance man has little option but to take his chances in court and hope for a swift process. But as the case drags on, his health continues to raise concerns.
Confusion and Concern
Friday, October 18, was supposed to again see the continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution’s second witness in the money laundering case brought by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Binance and Gambaryan. However, this did not happen.
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As observed by my colleague, DailyCoin reporter Grace Abidemi , Friday’s proceedings were marked by confusion and concern as Nigerian Correctional Service officials failed to provide Gambaryan.
This confusion and concern were only heightened when officials claimed not to know anything when the judge asked about Gambaryan’s whereabouts.
“This is absolutely ridiculous! I don’t know what to say,” a bewildered Tonye Krukrubo, who was part of the defense team, exclaimed.
"He is in their custody! This is very concerning. It is ridiculous to say he isn't aware," he added.Speaking to the judge directly, Krukrubo asserted:
"My lord will recall that we have been complaining severally about the lackadaisical actions of the correctional service. They should provide his status."After a long wait, however, the correctional service was still unable to provide Gambaryan.
Gambaryan “Very Sick”
A Nigerian Correctional Service official reported on the Binance executive’s status to the court, asserting he was “very sick.”
"He said that he is very sick, and they can not produce him to court today," the official claimed.Responding to the report, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, implored the judge to order the Correctional Service to provide Gambaryan with adequate care and set a hearing for next week so that all parties could stay abreast of his condition.
"I beseech my lord for a case next week if only to report on his [Gambaryan's] health. This will allow the parties take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the second defendant is receiving care," he pleaded.Following agreement from the prosecution, the next trial date was set for Friday, October 25.
Deteriorating Health
Gambaryan’s health has been a major talking point in the case since he collapsed in court on May 23. The Binance man has reportedly suffered from repeated bouts of malaria, pneumonia, and respiratory tract infections. In addition to these issues, he has been left largely bedridden and forced to use a wheelchair as a pre-existing herniated disk condition has been exacerbated in Nigerian prison.
These health concerns prompted Gambaryan to make a second attempt at bail. However, his request was denied , as Nigerian Federal High Court Judge Justice Emeka Nwite maintained that poor health alone was insufficient grounds for granting bail.
On the Flipside
- The severity of Gambaryan’s current condition remains unclear.
- The recent health concern further delays progress in the already stretched-out case.
Why This Matters
Proceedings in the recent trial add to the already palpable concerns around the Binance executive’s health amid reports of mistreatment and negligence in Nigerian detention.
Find out how Gambaryan found himself in this mess:
Binance’s Gambaryan Still Detained After 6 Months: Where Are the Answers?
See why VanEck has significantly revised its 2030 ETH prediction downward:
VanEck Slashes 2030 Ethereum Price Target from $22K to $7.3K: Here’s Why
