The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly refuted claims made by U.S. lawmakers regarding the treatment and health of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is currently detained at Kuje Prison. According to these lawmakers, Gambaryan is allegedly suffering from inadequate medical care and deteriorating health conditions. However, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has categorically dismissed these allegations as unfounded and misleading.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Minister Idris clarified that Gambaryan’s detention is sanctioned by lawful court orders. He emphasized that the executive receives quality medical care whenever necessary and has full access to consular services provided by his home government. “It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” Idris stated. “We would like to state that these allegations are false and should be ignored. 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.”
Idris further reassured that the Nigerian government remains committed to safeguarding Gambaryan’s fundamental rights, including his right to a fair trial and access to healthcare. He underscored that Gambaryan’s detention is under the purview of the court, and any changes to his detention status would be a judicial decision. “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,” Idris continued. “It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.”
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to due process and legal standards in its efforts to address financial crimes involving Binance. He pointed out that similar legal actions are being pursued against Binance in various countries worldwide. “The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to follow due process in its quest to bring Binance to justice — a legitimate sovereign quest that is similarly being pursued in several other countries around the world,” he noted. “This adherence to legal and diplomatic standards underscores Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes.”
Despite these assurances, U.S. lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who visited Gambaryan in prison, have expressed grave concerns about his health. They claimed that Gambaryan is suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, has lost significant weight, and is being denied adequate medical attention. Following their visit, they called for his immediate release, citing his deteriorating health condition.
The Nigerian government’s statement, however, seeks to dispel these concerns by emphasizing the provision of necessary medical care and legal rights to Gambaryan during his detention. “The executive is being treated with the utmost fairness, and his legal and human rights are being protected throughout the judicial proceedings,” Idris asserted.
This ongoing situation highlights the complexities and international dimensions of legal proceedings against high-profile financial executives and the scrutiny that such cases attract from various stakeholders around the world.
