In a recent development, Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive with cryptocurrency exchange Binance, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian authorities for alleged violation of his legal rights.
Gambaryan, who heads financial crime compliance at Binance, was arrested alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s regional manager for Africa, in late February. The duo reportedly travelled to Nigeria to meet with officials from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to discuss Binance’s operations in the country.
But things took a turn when they were unexpectedly detained and had their passports confiscated. TruthNigeria reported the daring escape of Anjarwalla earlier this week.
Gambaryan’s lawsuit, filed on March 18, accuses the Nigerian authorities of wrongful detention and a violation of his right to freedom of movement. He claims he and Anjarwalla cooperated fully during their meeting with officials but were then unexpectedly detained without explanation or charges being filed. The lawsuit seeks his immediate release, the return of his passport, and a public apology from the Nigerian government.
This legal action follows a period of heightened tension between Binance and the Nigerian government. On Monday, March 25, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accused Binance of tax evasion and levied a four-count criminal charge against the company. The lawsuit comes just days before the scheduled arraignment of the Binance executives on April 4th.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
