Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform, Binance, has urged the Nigerian government to release its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan, expressing deep concern over his deteriorating health.
The company is urging the Nigerian government to allow Tigran to return home, warning of the potential long-term consequences of what it describes as an “unjust detention.”
In a statement released by a Binance spokesperson on Tuesday, the company voiced its distress over a recent video showing Tigran in court, describing it as “a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality.” The spokesperson emphasised that “his health is rapidly declining,” and the company is “deeply concerned about the long-term consequences” of his continued detention.
Binance argued that Tigran’s presence in Nigeria is unnecessary for resolving any alleged issues, suggesting that the Nigerian government could permit his release while still addressing any concerns. “Nigeria does not need to keep Tigran in order for us to settle any alleged past issues,” the spokesperson said, adding, “We continue to implore the Government of Nigeria to let Tigran return home and let us continue in our engagements.”
The cryptocurrency giant also highlighted its recent successful resolutions of disputes in Brazil and India as examples of how constructive dialogue and legal adherence can effectively resolve historical issues. “Our recent resolutions with Brazil and India demonstrate how historical issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue and adherence to legal standards,” the statement read. Binance underscored that such practices align with the “international standard of doing business,” implicitly urging Nigeria to follow a similar approach.
Also, the CEO of Binance, Richard Teng, reacted to the video that had circulated social media, showing the Binance official lamenting unfair treatment reportedly meted out to him, saying, “This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family.”
Tigran, who appeared in court on Monday, told Justice Nwite how his condition had worsened since his detention, leading to significant difficulty in walking. He urged the court to take his counsel’s request for a wheelchair seriously, highlighting the urgent need for proper medical attention.
Justice Nwite immediately addressed the issue by questioning the prison official present as to why Gambaryan had not been provided with a wheelchair. Upon receiving no satisfactory explanation, the judge ordered that a wheelchair be provided without delay.
Tigran’s detention stems from his involvement in a broader investigation into Binance’s operations in Nigeria. Authorities have been scrutinising the exchange for its alleged role in facilitating unregulated transactions and potential breaches of Nigeria’s financial laws. While Binance has been cooperating with the investigation, the arrest and prolonged detention of Tigran have sparked significant controversy.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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