The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations regarding the deplorable prison conditions and medical care of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, asserted in a statement that Gambaryan is receiving adequate medical care and full consular support, reaffirming their dedication to a lawful and transparent judicial process.
Idris’ statement on June 21 follows recent claims by US Congress members, French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan about the ill-health and poor prison conditions experienced by Gambaryan. The duo visited Gambaryan at the Kuje Detention facility on June 19, 2024, and posted a video urging for his release.
Idris restated that Gambaryan’s detention is a result of a court order and that any changes to his status would have to come from the court itself. The minister maintained that the executive was still able to avail reliable healthcare services despite his detention: “We want to address the claims that Tigran Gambaryan, Binance Executive, is suffering unsavoury prison conditions in Nigeria, and that his health is on the decline. We unequivocally deny these allegations as mere falsehoods.”
The information minister stated that Gambaryan enjoys complete consular support from his own government and reassured their commitment to ensure his human rights, such as quality healthcare and a fair trial, are respected as his legal proceedings continue.
In contrast, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, requested for her husband’s release, using the Federal Inland Revenue Service’s (FIRS) recent withdrawal of charges as precedence. Several U.S. legislators have supported her, stating Gambaryan’s professional record includes a decade-long tenure tackling money laundering and tax evasion as a special agent at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission director, Abdulkadir Abbas, affirmed in his testimony during the hearing against Binance and Gambaryan that Binance failed to acquire the necessary registration to operate in the country. The proceedings are expected to resume on July 1, for cross-examination.