Crypto exchange platform Binance has again urged Nigerian authorities to release company executive Tigran Gambaryan detained since February 2024.
On Monday, a video went viral showing the US citizen being denied the use of a wheelchair by prison officials.
The visibly distressed Gambaryan was seen in the video struggling to walk and expressing frustration over the go maltreatment.
“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,” a Binance spokesperson said on Tuesday.
“Nigeria does not need to keep Tigran in order for us to settle any alleged past issues. We continue to implore the Government of Nigeria to let Tigran return home and let us continue in our engagements,” the spokesperson added.
Mr Gambaryan, currently held in Kuje prison, is facing money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside Binance, charges which the company denies.
His lawyers have filed a new bail application, citing his deteriorating health condition, but the EFCC has opposed the application based on his medical records.
The court is set to rule on the bail application on September 4.
Mr Gambaryan’s detention is part of Nigeria’s broader crackdown on cryptocurrency, despite the country’s central bank lifting a three-year ban on crypto-related banking transactions.
His continued imprisonment has sparked significant concerns about Nigeria’s stance on cryptocurrency, particularly as the naira continues to decline.
