Detained Binance Exec's Health Deteriorates As Wife Pleads For Immediate Release

Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has appealed to the Federal government to release her husband on humanitarian grounds due to his ill health.

Tigran Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, who is currently at large, were apprehended in February on charges of exploiting Nigeria’s currency through their cryptocurrency platform.

The Federal Government has stated that Binance is not registered in Nigeria, has not paid taxes in the country, and has been operating without the necessary regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activities.

In a statement released by Monique Thompson, a spokesperson for the Binance executive, and sent to Naija News on Monday, Yuki detailed the severe health challenges her husband is currently facing, including a herniated disc that requires “highly specialized and risky surgery.”

Gambaryan’s health has reportedly worsened since he collapsed in court on May 23, 2024, due to his deteriorating condition.

Despite numerous legal requests, it is alleged that the necessary medical care and records have not been provided to him. On May 27, Tigran’s legal team expressed serious concerns about his life being at risk if he remained in Kuje Prison without proper medical attention.

His lawyer, Mark Mordi, called on the court to address the prison officials’ alleged refusal to release Gambaryan’s medical report, which had been ordered by a previous court ruling.

During a hearing on July 16, Judge Emeke Nwite ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care, under strict security measures.

However, Yuki claims that her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison since July 26, which she argues is a violation of both the Nigerian constitution and Section 45 of the Nigerian prison regulations.

Yuki also revealed that her husband, who was once active and fit, is now confined to a wheelchair due to an untreated herniated disc, which could cause permanent damage.

“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 specialized 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,” Yuki lamented.

Reflecting on the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family, she added, “Life is becoming harder every day for all of us because of Tigran’s absence.”

Gambaryan’s legal battle is ongoing, with the next court hearings scheduled for October 11 and 18.

In the meantime, American lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran “wrongfully detained” in Nigeria, adding to the international pressure on the case.

Binance reportedly had a turnover exceeding $20 billion in Nigeria in 2023, outstripping the federal budgets for health and education, and contributing to currency speculation and the cost-of-living crisis.

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 been operating without proper regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activity.

On July 21, 2024, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Gambaryan receives quality medical care and that legal protocols are strictly followed.

Mohammed also emphasized that Gambaryan is receiving the necessary medical attention and has access to consular services provided by his home government.