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The United States is seeking for a consular access to the detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, held currently at the Kuje custodial centre in Abuja, a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria said.
Gambaryan, a US citizen and Binance’s financial crimes compliance chief, was arrested in February 2024 along with another executive, Anjarwalla, upon their arrival in Nigeria, following an investigation that allegedly tied them to money laundering and terrorism financing.
Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja fixed October 9 to rule on the fresh bail application brought before the court by Gambaryan’s lawyers.
Some have mount concern, calling for the Binance CEO release due to claims of health grounds a d the inadequate medical care.
Gambaryan’s family has also alleged that he is being denied access to a wheelchair.
The Ministry of Foreign Affair source, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the US was particularly focused on Gambaryan’s health.
“I only know that the US is concerned about the man’s health, especially now that his family has gone public in the US with the matter.
“I would not say they are lobbying, they are just concerned that they are not being granted access to the man (being a US citizen). Remember that Binance had their issue in the US as well,” the source explained.
Reacting, a retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, said the US request for consular access to the detained Binance executive was justifiable but should not interfere with Nigeria’s legal process.
“Nigeria does not interfere when Nigerians are arrested for criminal activities in the US. We allow the US legal system to proceed without interference.”
