A federal high court in Abuja has denied bail to Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, despite serious health concerns. Judge Emeka Nwite ruled on Friday that the bail application constituted an abuse of court process, as Gambaryan had already filed an appeal on a previous ruling.
The judge stated that while ill health alone does not automatically entitle a defendant to bail, the prison authorities have been ordered to take Gambaryan to a specialist hospital within Abuja under security supervision.
Gambaryan’s representatives, however, expressed outrage over the decision, emphasising that the US citizen is suffering from a severe herniated disc, which has left him unable to walk without assistance.
According to a press release issued on Friday by his team, Gambaryan’s medical condition requires urgent treatment that the Kuje Prison facility, where he has been held since March 2024, cannot provide.
The statement revealed that Gambaryan has suffered countless health scares and is now in so much physical pain from his condition that he can no longer walk unaided, also saying that several doctors, including the prison’s own, have clearly reported that he requires medical help beyond what the prison can offer.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, also expressed her frustration saying, “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 that the damage he is suffering is not permanent. I am exhausted and deeply disappointed, but I will continue fighting for my husband’s rightful freedom.”
Gambaryan’s representatives highlighted that there is clear precedent in Nigeria for granting bail on medical grounds in similar cases, and this decision deviates from the norm.
They asserted that despite meeting all requirements for bail, the Binance executive has been denied medical relief, worsening his condition.
Meanwhile, the court continued its hearing with the cross-examination of the Central Bank witness in the ongoing EFCC trial.
The case continues as Gambaryan, who his wife insists is “entirely innocent,” remains in custody awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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