Judicial Rationale for Dismissal
A Nigerian High Court has dismissed the lawsuit filed by former Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The suit, filed to enforce Gambaryan’s fundamental rights, claimed his detention by Nigerian authorities was unlawful and prolonged.
In a judgment delivered on Nov. 27, Justice Umar Mohammed ruled in favor of the Nigerian government, upholding the detention as lawful. The court’s decision hinged on the principle of judicial non-interference with the constitutional duties of Nigeria’s security agencies. According to a local report, the judge deemed the NSA and EFCC’s actions against Binance and its employee to be constitutional. The judge also determined that Gambaryan had failed to provide evidence showing he enjoyed immunity from prosecution in Nigeria or under Nigerian law.
Context of Detention and Release
Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent, was detained in early 2024 shortly after landing in the country to discuss Binance’s alleged financial infractions. Along with fellow Binance employee Nadeem Anjarwalla, Gambaryan was initially held at a guest house while authorities prepared charges against the duo and the exchange. However, after Anjarwalla escaped, officials moved Gambaryan to the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he stayed for months.
His controversial detention and reports of deteriorating health sparked a global outcry, prompting U.S. officials to prod the Nigerian government into releasing him. Gambaryan was eventually released in October 2024.
Before filing the lawsuit, Gambaryan had claimed his detention was due to Binance’s refusal to pay a $150 million bribe, an allegation swiftly dismissed by the Nigerian government.
FAQ ❓
- What did the Nigerian court decide? The High Court dismissed Tigran Gambaryan’s detention suit, ruling his custody lawful.
- Why was Gambaryan detained in Nigeria? He was detained in 2024 over Binance’s alleged financial infractions upon arrival in the country.
- What was the court’s reasoning? The judge upheld the EFCC and NSA’s actions as constitutional, finding no immunity for Gambaryan.
- How did the case gain global attention? His prolonged detention and health concerns sparked U.S. pressure and international outcry.
