Last updated on October 14th, 2024 at 10:44 am
A Nigerian court has denied the bail request for Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, despite citing health concerns, instead, the court directed the prison authorities to transfer him to a hospital for necessary medical care.
On October 11, Judge Emeka Nwite of Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja rejected Tigran Gambaryan’s bail request, according to a local report.
Judge Nwite ruled that Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan must remain in custody despite health concerns, stating that his condition “does not warrant release from detention.”
The judge further noted that Gambaryan could only be released if his condition posed a risk to others and quarantine was not possible.
Gambaryan’s attorney, Mark Mordi, urged the court to grant bail so his client could obtain medical treatment for a herniated disc that severely limited his ability to walk. Gambaryan arrived at the hearing in a wheelchair and remained seated throughout.
“It’s disheartening to see this decision,”
his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, stated.
“Denying someone in Tigran’s condition the chance to receive proper medical care is utterly unjust.”
Earlier, Judge Nwite issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a doctor at Kuje Correctional Centre, for failing to provide a medical report for the Binance executive. Gambaryan, detained since February 2024 on money laundering charges, was due a medical report under court orders. Despite receiving the court directive, Dr. Ehizojie did not comply, prompting the arrest warrant during a July 16, 2024, court session.
Outside the court, U.S. lawmakers expressed concerns about Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, criticising Kuje Prison, which they described as a facility intended for “ISIS combatants.” They claimed that he was being deprived of adequate medical treatment and had experienced significant weight loss. Gambaryan notably collapsed in open court during a May 23 hearing, a consequence of his worsening health. Reports also indicate he tested positive for malaria while in prison.
This development follows Binance CEO Richard Teng’s call for U.S. and international intervention as Gambaryan neared six months of detention in Nigeria under worsening conditions. In an August 27 statement, Teng revealed that Gambaryan, suffering from a herniated disc and denied proper medical care, has been left without access to basic necessities like a wheelchair. He urged the U.S. government to secure Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds, stressing that the detention is unjust and unnecessary.
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