EFCC: Tigran Gambaryan’s Condition not as Bad as Portrayed by Lawyer

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has claimed that the health condition of detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, is not as bad as his family and lawyer presented. 

Gambaryan’s family and legal team have previously argued that his health has deteriorated significantly during his detention, even claiming that he’s bedridden due to a herniated disc. 

EFCC Refutes Gambaryan’s Bad Health Claim

During a hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on 2 September 2024, EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, refuted claims that Gambaryan’s health had deteriorated to a level of emergency. 

He said, “My Lord, I don’t want to go into detail about this issue. Ordinarily, the defendant has been living with this condition for the past 12 years before he came to Nigeria, it is not a new issue.”

EFCC

He also emphasized that Gambaryan is properly taken care of in custody and that the only issue concerned failure to present his medical records. He argued that it was unfair for Binance to paint the picture of Gambaryan not being properly cared for.

However, despite the EFCC’s assurances, Gambaryan himself stated in court that the inadequate treatment he received while in detention had worsened his condition, leading to nerve damage. 

He stated that his current state of health was a direct consequence of the lack of timely and appropriate medical care.

Also Read: Binance Executive’s Legal Team not Given Access to him in Kuje Prison

Nigeria Continues To Charge Binance Executive

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has dropped its tax evasion case against the executives, the EFCC is continually pursuing money laundering and foreign exchange violation charges.

The presiding judge, Emeka Nwite, has adjourned the executive bail application hearing to September 4, 2024.

Additionally, the court noted the absence of officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including the recently appointed CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who were summoned to provide specific documents related to the case.

The CBN representatives had reportedly left the court before the Binance case was called due to delays in earlier proceedings.

They are expected to appear on the next adjourned date.

Was this information useful? Drop a nice comment below. You can also check out other useful contents by following us on X/Twitter @siliconafritech, Instagram @Siliconafricatech, or Facebook @SiliconAfrica.

Abdullahi Kafayat
Abdullahi Kafayat

Abdullahi Kafayat is an enthusiastic writer interested in the tech world. She's a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and has a BSc in Chemistry. You can reach her at Kafayatabdullahi17@gmail.com.

Articles: 718