Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, emphasized that Gambaryan enjoys full consular support from his home government.
Nigeria’s Federal Government has denied allegations of poor prison conditions for Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan, asserting he receives quality medical care and full consular services, emphasizing adherence to lawful trial procedures and judicial integrity.
The rebuttal was issued on Friday, June 21, by Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Idris’ statement follows a recent post by two U.S. Members of Congress, Representative French Hill (Republican) and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat), who visited Gambaryan at the Kuje Detention facility on June 19, 2024, and shared a video of the visit, calling for his release.
Official Statement
In his statement, Idris emphasized that Gambaryan’s detention is based on a court order, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release. The minister clarified that Gambaryan has access to necessary healthcare services despite being in lawful custody.
“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. We would like to state that these allegations are false and should be ignored,” Idris stated.
The minister reiterated that Gambaryan enjoys full consular support from his home government. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting his basic rights, including access to quality healthcare and a fair trial, as he faces legal proceedings in Nigeria.
“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 worldwide,” Idris added.
Support from U.S. Lawmakers
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has appealed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to follow the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) example and release her husband, citing the FIRS’s recent withdrawal of charges as a precedent.
The U.S. lawmakers supported her appeal, stating that Tigran has devoted his professional life to fighting money laundering and tax evasion. They noted that he spent ten years as an IRS Special Agent, successfully leading cyber and financial crime investigations.
During the June 21 hearing, Abdulkadir Abbas, a director at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), resumed his testimony in the EFCC’s case against Binance and Gambaryan, reiterating that Binance had not obtained the necessary registration to operate in Nigeria.
The case has been adjourned to July 1 for continuation of cross-examination.
Summary Review: Nigeria’s Federal Government stands firm in its commitment to upholding legal procedures and ensuring that Tigran Gambaryan’s rights are protected. The government maintains that Gambaryan is receiving proper medical care and consular support while in custody. The ongoing legal process highlights the government’s dedication to due process and regulatory compliance, aligning with global efforts to hold entities accountable. The outcome of this high-profile case will likely have significant implications for Binance and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
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