Binance Executive Faces Arrest in Nigeria Over Health Concerns
A court in Abuja, Nigeria has issued a warrant for the arrest of a prison doctor regarding the health condition of a Binance executive who has been detained in the country since February.
Arrest Warrant for Prison Doctor
- Justice Emeka Nwite, trial judge in Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kuje prison doctor Abraham Ehizoje.
- The arrest warrant came after a request by the lawyer representing Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan.
- Gambaryan’s legal team claimed that Ehizoje did not comply with an order to provide the detained executive’s medical reports to them.
Health Concerns of Binance Executive
- Tigran Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and Head of Financial Crime Compliance at Binance, appeared in court in a wheelchair due to back pain complaints.
- His health in Nigerian custody has drawn attention after intervention from U.S. Congressmen.
- Family members reported that Gambaryan has been suffering in prison, experiencing back pain, numbness in his foot, double pneumonia, and malaria.
Concerns Raised by U.S. Congressmen
- U.S. Representatives French Hill and Rich McCormick expressed concerns about Gambaryan’s deteriorating health.
- Hill, after visiting Gambaryan in prison, stated that the executive’s health is declining.
- McCormick called on Nigerian authorities to provide Gambaryan with proper medical care.
Legal Case and Charges
- Gambaryan has been in Kuje prison since April, facing charges of money laundering and manipulating the foreign exchange market.
- Nigerian authorities have charged Gambaryan, Binance, and another executive with money laundering amounting to $35 million.
- U.S. Representatives accused Nigeria of targeting Gambaryan instead of taking legal action against Binance.
Judge’s Orders
- The court ordered Gambaryan to be hospitalized at Nizamiye Hospital for surveillance.
- Despite Gambaryan collapsing in court and being diagnosed with health issues, Nigerian officials claim he has no serious conditions.
- Yesterday, the judge ruled that Gambaryan should be monitored at the hospital for 24 hours.
Hot Take: Urgent Medical Attention Required
The situation involving the detention of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria highlights the critical need for urgent medical attention and proper care when individuals are held in custody. The arrest warrant issued for a prison doctor underscores the severity of the health concerns faced by the detained executive, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals in detention receive appropriate medical treatment and attention.