In a significant development from the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Emeka Nwite has issued a directive to the Nigerian Correctional Service at Kuje to provide a wheelchair for Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, who is currently detained. The order came following a courtroom incident that underscored the serious health challenges Gambaryan faces while in custody.
The directive was given on Monday after Gambaryan, who was visibly struggling with crutches, made an unexpected plea to Justice Nwite. This occurred immediately after the court had adjourned for the day. In a poignant moment, Gambaryan paused before the judge and expressed his deep concerns regarding the decline in his health since being remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility. He pointed out the inadequate medical care available to him as a significant factor in the deterioration of his condition.
Gambaryan disclosed to the court that he has been managing a herniated disc for over 12 years, a condition that can cause severe pain and mobility issues. He noted that his health has significantly worsened due to the lack of appropriate medical attention at the Kuje facility, which has now made walking an arduous task. His situation has deteriorated to such an extent that he requires a wheelchair for mobility. He earnestly appealed to Justice Nwite to consider his counsel’s request for a wheelchair, emphasizing that it was a pressing necessity rather than a mere convenience.
Responding to the plea, Justice Nwite sought an explanation from the prison officials present in court regarding the failure to provide Gambaryan with a wheelchair despite his evident need. The prison official could not provide a satisfactory reason for the neglect, which prompted Justice Nwite to issue an immediate order for the provision of a wheelchair to Gambaryan. The judge’s order was promptly carried out, with a wheelchair being provided to the Binance executive without delay.
This court session also highlighted another issue that led to the adjournment of the trial. Proceedings were stalled due to the absence of key officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who had been subpoenaed to present certain documents crucial to the case. The absence of these officials, coupled with Gambaryan’s health plea, led to a rescheduling of the trial.
The trial has now been adjourned to Wednesday, September 4, 2024. This extension provides the necessary time for the CBN officials to comply with the court’s directive to produce the required documents, which are anticipated to play a vital role in the ongoing proceedings.
The incident involving Gambaryan has raised broader concerns about the conditions in which detainees are held, especially those with pre-existing health issues. It has drawn attention to the need for better healthcare services within the correctional system, ensuring that detainees receive the necessary medical care and support. As the trial date approaches, the focus remains on both the legal proceedings and the welfare of those in custody, with Gambaryan’s case serving as a poignant reminder of the human rights considerations that must be upheld within the justice system.
