Nigerian minister defends trial of detained Binance exec amid US lawmakers’ outcry

As a seasoned crypto investor with a keen interest in the global regulatory landscape, I find myself closely following the ongoing saga between the U.S. and Nigerian authorities regarding Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan’s detainment. The latest statements from Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, have added another layer to this complex issue.


In response to pressure from U.S. legislators asking President Joe Biden to repatriate detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, the Nigerian Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, has issued a statement.

According to Idris’s statement, Gambaryan’s trial has adhered to all due processes at all stages.

“Prosecutors are confident in their case based on the evidence gathered,” the minister added.

The minister disclosed that the next court hearing is set for June 20, 2024.

The judge acknowledged that Binance would have a chance to present its case in court regarding the accusations. He characterized the allegations against Binance as serious financial offenses.

As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that U.S. lawmakers have taken a different stance regarding the allegations against Binance’s head of financial crime compliance. They’ve expressed their belief that these charges are unfounded.

The Nigerian minister’s remarks could be seen as a reaction to the objections voiced by twelve American politicians in a published letter on June 4th. In this document, they expressed their belief that Gambaryan was unjustly held in Nigerian custody.

As a crypto investor, I’ve come across rumors that a letter, primarily penned by congress members, accused Nigerian authorities of attempting extortion against Binance. Furthermore, there were allegations that my legal counsel, Gambarayan, had been denied access to meetings without the presence of armed guards or other Nigerian officials.

The Minister of Information maintains that Binance was granted consular access and all customary legal procedures were observed in accordance with the rule of law during this situation.

Additionally, the minister explained that Gambaryan was deemed a potential fugitive due to this precedent. Specifically, an executive from Binance named Nadeem Anjarwalla had previously eluded Nigerian authorities in March. Currently wanted by Interpol, Anjarwalla’s case raised concerns about Gambaryan’s potential to abscond as well, leading to the denial of his bail on May 17th.

Previously in a Nigerian court, Gambaryan’s defense contended that he should not bear sole responsibility for Binance’s business dealings. However, lawyers representing Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have countered that the constitution permits prosecuting corporate executives.

As an analyst, I would rephrase it as follows: In February, Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and I, Anjarwalla, were taken into custody on allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. While I chose to elude authorities by illegally departing for Kenya, Gambaryan continued to be detained in the notorious Kuje Prison.

Lawmakers emphasized in their correspondence that the prison was constructed specifically for detaining ISIS fighters. They implore President Biden to assign the role of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to manage Gambaryan’s situation.

The letter additionally expressed worries about Gamabaryan’s health, revealing that he had fallen ill with malaria. However, a court mandate for his necessary medical treatment was disregarded.

At the time of publication, the White House hasn’t made an official response.

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2024-06-06 12:52