Members of the United States Congress have submitted a resolution demanding the immediate release of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive from Binance, currently imprisoned in Nigeria. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to officially designate Gambaryan as a “U.S. citizen wrongfully detained” and to use all available resources to secure his release.
Gambaryan has been in custody since February 2024, initially held in a guest house in Abuja before being transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Reports indicate that his health has been deteriorating, with diagnoses of malaria and pneumonia.
The resolution emphasizes the need for unrestricted medical care and consistent consular access for Gambaryan, urging the Nigerian government to adhere to its international obligations regarding due process and human rights.
With the court set to recess from mid-July to September, there are concerns that if Gambaryan’s case is not resolved soon, he may face an extended period of detention. Following his arrest, Gambaryan filed a lawsuit against the EFCC and the National Security Adviser for human rights violations, recently amending his suit to seek compensation.
Despite Binance’s assertions that Gambaryan is not a decision-maker within the company, the EFCC opposed his bail application, labeling him a “flight risk,” which resulted in a denial of bail. In a related development, Nigeria’s Federal Inland Revenue Service has dropped tax evasion charges against Gambaryan and a colleague after Binance provided a representative, raising hopes that the EFCC might reconsider its position as well.
Philips Babatunde