Nigerian Court Denies Bail for Binance Executive Amid Health Concerns
A Nigerian court has denied bail for Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is facing serious health issues while in custody.
The ruling, delivered on October 11 by Judge Emeka Nwite in Abuja, came after Gambaryan requested to be released due to his deteriorating condition. Instead, the court ordered that he receive medical attention at a hospital.
Since his arrest in February, Gambaryan has remained in Kuje prison despite claims of innocence and worsening health. His family reported that he suffers from a herniated disc and is unable to walk, but the court has insisted he stay in custody until the legal proceedings conclude.
Gambaryan’s wife expressed disappointment over the court’s refusal, deeming it unfair to deny him necessary medical care. His lawyer has claimed that Gambaryan’s health is precarious and has asked for a six-week bail to pursue treatment, citing a need for surgery and mental health support.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has contested the severity of his health claims, arguing that he could receive adequate care while incarcerated. They asserted that the defense had overstated his condition, with one prosecutor claiming Gambaryan’s health challenges were not as serious as presented.
Despite the court’s orders for medical evaluations, reports indicated that Gambaryan has faced neglect regarding his treatment in prison. A family spokesperson highlighted that there have been minimal efforts to comply with medical recommendations.
This bail denial comes shortly after Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, Binance’s founder, was released in the U.S. after serving time related to Anti-Money Laundering violations.