The High Court’s decision, delivered on Friday, rejected Gambaryan’s improperly filed bail application, marking the second time the court has denied his request for freedom.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed her dismay at the ruling, labeling it “completely unjust.” In a statement shared with DL News, she stated, “I am exhausted and deeply disappointed, but I will continue fighting for my husband’s rightful freedom.”
Gambaryan, 40, was detained in Nigeria earlier this year and was indicted in April alongside Binance, facing serious charges related to money laundering and currency manipulation. Both Gambaryan and Binance have consistently denied the allegations against them.
The case has drawn significant media attention, not only due to the serious nature of the charges but also because of the implications it holds for the cryptocurrency giant Binance, which is already facing scrutiny in various jurisdictions worldwide.
Since his incarceration, Gambaryan’s health has reportedly worsened. He has experienced various medical issues, including fainting spells, malaria, pneumonia, and severe back pain, leading to the use of crutches for mobility.
His family and legal team have voiced concerns that he requires specialized medical treatment that cannot be adequately provided in prison.
Despite these alarming health concerns, the court ruled that Gambaryan’s medical needs could be managed within the facilities of Kuje prison, where he has been held since April 8.
In delivering the ruling, Justice Nwite criticized Gambaryan’s legal team for failing to adhere to proper court procedures.
He noted that the lawyers had submitted a second bail application while their appeal against the initial bail denial was still under consideration, which he deemed an abuse of court processes.
Justice Nwite had previously denied Gambaryan bail on April 8, labeling him a flight risk, and reiterated that the recent bail application lacked new facts that could alter the previous decision.
“On this alone, this new bail application is bound to fail,” Justice Nwite stated during the proceedings. This remark reflects a broader concern about the judicial process in Nigeria, where many have criticized the legal system for being slow and often lacking in transparency.
The court’s ruling was met with disappointment from Gambaryan’s family and supporters. They argue that the conditions of his detention, coupled with his declining health, should warrant a reconsideration of his bail status.
“It is completely unjust to deny someone in Tigran’s condition the opportunity to seek appropriate medical help,” Yuki expressed. The family fears that prolonged detention in such conditions could lead to irreversible health consequences.
International pressure has also been mounting regarding Gambaryan’s situation. Last month, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations, joined the diplomatic push to secure his release, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals in custody receive the necessary medical care and fair treatment.
The involvement of international diplomats highlights the potential geopolitical implications of Gambaryan’s case and the scrutiny Binance is under in the global financial landscape.
As the trial for money laundering continues, Gambaryan’s legal team has maintained a strong defense, cross-examining witnesses from Nigeria’s central bank and securities regulator.
However, the ongoing legal battles appear to be overshadowed by the personal toll that the situation is taking on Gambaryan’s health and well-being.
The broader implications of this case extend beyond Gambaryan and Binance. It raises critical questions about the treatment of detainees in Nigeria, particularly in high-profile cases involving international figures and corporations.
The intersection of law, politics, and health in this scenario illustrates the complexities of navigating justice in a country where the legal system can be unpredictable.
In summary, Tigran Gambaryan’s continued detention in Nigeria, coupled with the recent denial of his bail application, underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of his case.
The concerns about his health, the procedural irregularities noted by the court, and the involvement of international diplomats all contribute to a narrative that demands attention.
As Gambaryan’s family continues to advocate for his rights, the world watches closely to see how this situation will unfold and what it means for the future of Binance and its executive in Nigeria.