The wife of a detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, Yuki Gambaryan has made a plea to the Federal Government, requesting her husband’s release on humanitarian grounds before his health deteriorates further.
Gambaryan and his fleeing colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were arrested in February, for exploiting the Nigerian currency through their cryptocurrency platform.
The Federal Government said Binance was not registered in Nigeria, has never paid taxes in the country, and has operated without regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activity.
In a statement sent by the Binance Executive spokesperson, Monique Thompson, Yuki on Monday detailed the severe health issues her husband is facing, which include a herniated disc that requires “highly specialised and risky surgery”.
Gambaryan’s condition has worsened since his collapse in court on 23 May 2024, due to ill health.
Despite repeated legal requests, the necessary medical care and records have reportedly been withheld.
On 27 May, Tigran’s legal team expressed concern that his life was at risk if he remained in Kuje Prison without proper medical attention.
His counsel, Mark Mordi, called on the court to address the alleged refusal of prison officials to release his medical report, as per a previous court order.
During a hearing on 16 July, the presiding judge, Emeke Nwite, ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care under strict security surveillance.
According to Yuki, her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison since 26 July.
This, she said, was against both the Nigerian constitution and Section 45 of the Nigerian prison regulations.
Yuki also revealed that Gambaryan, once a fit and active individual, is now wheelchair-bound due to an untreated herniated disc, which threatens to cause permanent damage.
“My husband Tigran left our home for a work trip almost six months ago, and I have no idea when he will be back. Now his health is in a shockingly bad condition and getting worse by the day.
“The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk.
“My once fit and healthy husband, who loves working out, is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed.
“He needs highly specialised and risky surgery, it is terrifying. Additionally, an ENT doctor examined him last week and determined he also needs surgery to remove his tonsils due to the recurring infections he is suffering in detention”.
Reflecting on the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family, Yuki said, “Life is becoming harder every day for all of us because of Tigran’s absence”.
Gambaryan’s legal battle continues, with the next court dates set for 11 and 18 October.
Meanwhile, American lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran “wrongfully detained” in Nigeria, adding international pressure to the case.
Binance reportedly had a turnover of over $20 billion in Nigeria in 2023, exceeding the federal budgets for health and education, and contributing to currency speculation and the cost-of-living crisis.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Binance is not registered in Nigeria, has never paid taxes in the country, and has operated without regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activity.
The FG, on 21 July 2024, reaffirmed Gambaryan’s access to quality medical care and adherence to legal protocols.
Mohammed asserted that Gambaryan receives necessary medical attention and benefits from consular services provided by his home government.
