On October 11, 2024, a judge in Abuja denied a request to grant bail to detained American Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, despite his meeting all
On October 11, 2024, a judge in Abuja denied a request to grant bail to detained American Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, despite his meeting all requirements, including those on medical grounds.
Tigran, a former U.S. federal agent, was detained by the Nigerian government on February 26, 2024, and has since been separated from his wife and family for over 230 days.
The Nigerian EFCC prosecutor stated, “The 1st defendant (Binance) is operating virtually. The only thing we have to hold on to is this defendant.”
Following the court’s decision, Tigran’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed her dismay.
“We all know that Tigran was never a decision-maker at Binance and that he is entirely innocent, but I am not surprised by this decision.
“It is completely unjust to deny someone in Tigran’s condition the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help, and I just pray that when he is finally released, the damage he is suffering is not permanent,” she lamented.
“I am exhausted and deeply disappointed, but I will continue fighting for my husband’s rightful freedom.”
In a recent episode of the podcast Designated with Yaya Jata Fanusie, Yuki opened up about her constant fear of losing her husband.
“Tigran is innocent, and he is suffering,” she said, sharing how their five-year-old son doesn’t understand why his father isn’t home.
She recalled how her son, watching a plane flying overhead, asked if it was his dad coming home.
The podcast, released in early October, discusses Gambaryan’s unjust detainment and features commentary from his friends and former colleagues.
A campaign to raise awareness has also begun, with a truck displaying messages about Gambaryan’s plight making its rounds in Washington, D.C.
Yuki continues to plead with the U.S. government, urging them to take action.
“I beg the U.S. government to recognise officially that Tigran is being unlawfully detained and to take immediate actions against the Nigerian government unless they release him,” she said.
Tigran’s elderly mother, Knarik Gambaryan, has also expressed her heartache. “They are treating my son not like a human,” she said tearfully.
“He’s innocent. Just please bring my son home.”
Tigran was initially invited to Nigeria by the government for a meeting and assured of his safety.
However, during the meeting, his passport was confiscated, and he was detained.
Held in a “guest house” for almost a month, he was later moved to the notorious Kuje prison after charges were brought against him and Binance.Binance.
Throughout his detainment, Tigran has been denied adequate legal counsel, and his health has deteriorated rapidly.
His condition, worsened by repeated bouts of pneumonia and malaria, has left him unable to walk, and he is often denied access to a wheelchair.
According to Yuki, his ailments now include a new respiratory infection, severe back pain from a herniated disc, and the need for a tonsillectomy, which she fears the prison is unequipped to perform.
While in detention, Tigran has missed countless milestones, including his son’s fifth birthday, his first day of school, and his 40th birthday, which he spent in a Nigerian prison cell.
He also missed celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife, who continues to fight for his release.
Source: BBC
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