Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Money Laundering Trial Adjourned Until October
Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Money Laundering Trial in Nigeria Faces Further Delay
The trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan on money laundering charges in Nigeria has been postponed once again, with the Federal High Court adjourning the case until October 11. This latest delay comes as a result of a missing court-ordered medical report for Gambaryan, who has been in Nigerian custody since February 2024.
Justice Emeka Nwite made the decision to postpone the trial on July 16, extending Gambaryan’s detention in Nigeria to around eight months by the time the trial resumes in October. Gambaryan was initially held in a guest house in Abuja alongside another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who managed to escape in March. Gambaryan was later transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Gambaryan’s health has been a cause for concern, as he arrived in court in a wheelchair on July 16. His lawyer, Mark Mordi, emphasized the deteriorating health of his client and pointed out the failure to produce the medical certificate as ordered by the court earlier in the month. In response, Justice Nwite issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the prison doctor who failed to provide the medical report and directed that Gambaryan be admitted to a hospital for proper treatment.
This latest development adds another twist to Gambaryan’s ongoing trial, which saw him collapse in court in May. Despite claims by US lawmakers that Gambaryan was suffering from malaria and pneumonia, the Nigerian government has maintained that he is receiving fair treatment and access to quality medical care.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reassured that Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to necessary medical care and consular services. The government is committed to upholding Gambaryan’s rights to a fair trial and quality healthcare as he undergoes legal proceedings in Nigeria.