Yuki Gambaryan, wife of the Binance Executive detained in Nigeria, Tigran Gambaryan, on Monday, raised the alarm over the state of her husband’s health, which according to her has continued to deteriorate in custody.
Gambaryan was one of two Binance executives arrested on arrival in the country on February 26, 2024, after being accused of money laundering through their platform.
The Federal Government also accused Binance of tax evasion, operating without licence and regulatory compliance.
Gambaryan’s colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the regional manager for Binance in Africa on March 24, escaped from custody using a smuggled passport.
In a statement on Monday, Yuki Gambaryan said her husband’s health has continued to get worse as he is unable to access proper medical care, adding that he might require surgery or risk not walking again.
Gambaryan collapsed in court on May 23, 2024, leading to an order by the court for a medical checkup to determine the true state of his health.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja had on July 16, 2024, issued a bench warrant on the medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional facility, to appear before him to provide Gambaryan’s records after his counsel, Mark Mordi, said his test results were still being withheld despite court directive.
Yuki in her statement released by Binance spokesperson, Monique Thompson, said her husband has failed to improve adding that he faces risk if his health is not given special attention.
She said her husband who used to be very strong was wheeled into the court room and little or nothing has been done to ensure he returned to perfect health.
Yuki said Gambaryan has a herniated disc that has continued to worsen and runs a risk of not being able to walk again as a result of it.
The Court ordered a 24-hour medical checkup for him, but Yuki claims his lawyers have been denied access since July 26.
However, according to Yuki, her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison since July 26.
“My husband Tigran left our home for a work trip almost six months ago, and I have no idea when he will be back. Now his health is in a shockingly bad condition and getting worse by the day.
“The herniated disc in his back has worsened to the point where it might leave permanent damage and affect his ability to walk.
“My once fit and healthy husband, who loves working out, is now wheelchair-bound due to a treatable condition that has not been properly addressed.
“He needs highly specialised and risky surgery, it is terrifying. Additionally, an ENT doctor examined him last week and determined he also needs surgery to remove his tonsils due to the recurring infections he is suffering in detention.”
Gambaryan’s condition has worsened since his collapse in court on May 23, 2024, due to ill health.
Despite repeated legal requests, the necessary medical care and records have reportedly been withheld.
On May 27, Tigran’s legal team expressed concern that his life was at risk if he remained in Kuje Prison without proper medical attention.
His counsel, Mark Mordi, called on the court to address the alleged refusal of prison officials to release his medical report, as per a previous court order.
During a hearing on July 16, the presiding judge, Emeke Nwite, ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care under strict security surveillance.
However, according to Yuki, her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison since July 26.
This, she said, was against both the Nigerian constitution and Section 45 of the Nigerian prison regulations.
Yuki also revealed that Gambaryan, once a fit and active individual, is now wheelchair-bound due to an untreated herniated disc, which threatens to cause permanent damage.
Reflecting on the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family, Yuki said, “Life is becoming harder every day for all of us because of Tigran’s absence.”
Gambaryan’s legal battle continues, with the next court dates set for October 11 and 18.
Meanwhile, American lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran “wrongfully detained” in Nigeria, adding international pressure to the case.
Binance reportedly had a turnover of over $20bn in Nigeria in 2023, exceeding the federal budgets for health and education, and contributing to currency speculation and the cost-of-living crisis.
Gambaryan’s legal battle with the Federal government continues on October 11, 2024, as the company is accused of concealing the origin of their alleged unlawful financial proceeds, totaling $35,400,000.
This, the government claimed, is contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Binance is not registered in Nigeria, has never paid taxes in the country, and has operated without regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activity.
The FG, on July 21, 2024, reaffirmed Gambaryan’s access to quality medical care and adherence to legal protocols.
Mohammed asserted that Gambaryan receives necessary medical attention and benefits from consular services provided by his home government.
