Yuki Gambaryan, wife of Tigran, the Binance executive detained in Nigeria, has cried out against the continued trial of her husband by the Economic and Financial Crimes (EFCC).
Binance and its executive were facing a five-count charge before Emeka Nwite, judge of an Abuja Federal High Court, over allegations of money laundering brought against them by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) since on April 8.
The FIRS on June 14, dropped the tax charges against Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance but he is still being detained over allegations of money laundering.
However, following the commencement of the cross-examination of the witness from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at the court in Abuja, Yuki in a statement voiced out her concern and pleaded for the intervention of the United States government to secure her husband’s release.
“Since the FIRS charges were dropped last week and they agreed to serve those charges solely on Binance, I do not see why the EFCC cannot do the same,” the statement reads.
“It is time for the Nigerian authorities to do the right thing and let my innocent husband go.
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The Federal Government, however, insisted that Tigran Gambaryan, was being awfully tried has access to quality health care.
In a statement in apparent response to the two US congressmen, congress paid a visit to Gambaryan in detention, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said the lawmakers’claims were false.
“It has become necessary for the federal government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” Idris said.
“Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.
“The federal government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.
“This adherence to legal and diplomatic standards underscores Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes,” Idris added.
“The executive is being treated with the utmost fairness, and his legal and human rights are being protected throughout the judicial proceedings.”
The Federal Government, however, insisted that Tigran Gambaryan, was being awfully tried has access to quality health care.
In a statement in apparent response to the two US congressmen, congress paid a visit to Gambaryan in detention, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said the lawmakers’claims were false.
“It has become necessary for the federal government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” Idris said.
“Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.
“The federal government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.
“This adherence to legal and diplomatic standards underscores Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes,” Idris added.
“The executive is being treated with the utmost fairness, and his legal and human rights are being protected throughout the judicial proceedings.”
“I am also once again calling on the US government to intervene more forcefully. Tigran’s and my own tax dollars get sent to Nigeria in aid every year. Nigeria is supposed to be an ally.
“I refuse to believe that our state department cannot do more to have an innocent American citizen released.”
Meanwhile, two members of the United States (US) Congress, French Hill, a representative of the Republicans, and Chrissy Houlahan, a representative of the Democrats visited Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s executive at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja where he is detained on June 19.
They were on a national security visit in Nigeria but after their visit, reported that Tigran was suffering, describing his detention as ‘hostage’ and urged President Joe Biden to intervene.
In a post on X, Hill also called for the release of Gambaryan, also a former US agent.
“We found him suffering from the conditions there, as he has malaria and double pneumonia, and he reports that he has lost significant weight. Even worse, he’s being denied access to adequate medical attention,” the post read in part.
“Although I am pleased that Nigeria dropped tax evasion charges against Tigran on 6/14, it’s my view that he’s being wrongfully detained on charges related to money laundering.
“Tigran has devoted his professional life to fighting money laundering and tax evasion, having spent ten years as an IRS Special Agent where he successfully led cyber and financial crime investigations.
“Further, at the time of his arrest, he was working as a contract employee at Binance and was instrumental in criminal investigations and compliance in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.”
Hill also said he had joined a letter with 16 other colleagues to President Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, US Secretary, and Roger Carstens, special presidential envoy, urging for Tigran’s immediate release.
“Two days later, over 100 former federal prosecutors and agents wrote to Blinken further urging State Dept to use all means available to secure his release,” he added.
“Tigran must be immediately granted a humanitarian release, the remaining charges dropped, and he must return home to America where he belongs.”
The Federal Government, however, insists that the Binance executive is being lawfully tried.
In apparent response to the statements by the two US Congressmen, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, in a statement, said the claims “are false and should be ignored”.
“It has become necessary for the federal government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” the statement read.
“Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.
“The Federal Government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.
“This adherence to legal and diplomatic standards underscores Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes,” Idris added.
“The executive is being treated with the utmost fairness, and his legal and human rights are being protected throughout the judicial proceedings.”
