Crime

Nigerian Minister Defends Trial of Detained Binance Executive as U.S. Lawmakers Express Concerns

Published

8 months ago

June 6, 2024

ADMIN

In response to calls from U.S. lawmakers urging President Joe Biden to secure the release of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, Nigerian Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has issued a statement.

Idris affirmed that Gambaryan’s trial has followed due process at all stages. “Prosecutors are confident in their case based on the evidence gathered,” he stated. He also disclosed that the next court hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2024.

The minister emphasized that Binance would have the opportunity to defend itself in court, describing the charges against the company as involving “severe” financial crimes.

Contrastingly, U.S. lawmakers have described the charges against Binance’s head of financial crime compliance as “baseless.” In a letter publicized on June 4, 12 U.S. politicians expressed concerns about Gambaryan being “wrongfully detained” by the Nigerian government. The letter, primarily signed by members of Congress, accused Nigerian authorities of attempting to extort Binance and claimed Gambaryan had been denied meetings with his legal counsel without the presence of armed guards or other Nigerian officials.

However, the Minister of Information countered these claims, asserting that Binance had received consular access and that all standard diplomatic protocols were followed in accordance with the rule of law.

The minister further clarified that Gambaryan was considered a flight risk, which led to his bail being denied on May 17. This decision was influenced by the escape of another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from Nigerian custody in March. Anjarwalla is currently the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.

A Nigerian court had previously dismissed Gambaryan’s defense argument that he should not be solely held responsible for Binance’s operations. Attorneys for Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted that constitutional provisions permit the prosecution of company executives.

Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, and Anjarwalla were arrested in February on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla fled illegally to Kenya, while Gambaryan remained in the notorious Kuje Prison.

In their letter, U.S. lawmakers emphasized that the prison was “designed to hold ISIS combatants” and urged President Biden to involve the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs in handling Gambaryan’s case.

The letter also raised concerns about Gambaryan’s health, noting that he had contracted malaria and that a court order for proper medical care had not been followed.

As of the time of publication, the White House had not issued an official response.

—

Related Topics:Anjarwalla Biden Binance efcc Featured Gambaryan

Up Next

JUST-IN: NDLEA Arrests Intending Hajj Pilgrims With Cocaine In Lagos

Don't Miss

25 Suspected in Brutal Killing of Ajayi Crowther University Student Arraigned in Oyo Court

ADMIN

Click to comment

Crime

NSCDC Arrests 36 Scavengers in Abuja Crackdown

Published

7 days ago

January 17, 2025

Admin

By Patrick Idowu
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 36 scavengers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of an ongoing crackdown on rising criminal activities.
Announcing the arrests on Wednesday, FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu said the operation followed the recent ban on scavenging and the temporary closure of Pantaker Markets to curb vandalism of public infrastructure and security threats linked to scavengers.
“These individuals, under the guise of collecting scrap, have been implicated in crimes such as vandalizing manhole covers, streetlights, armored cables, and bridge reinforcements,” Odumosu stated.
He warned that some scavengers carry weapons, rob commuters, and act as informants for criminal gangs.
Residents have also reported missing household items, including generators and car batteries, often traced back to scavengers.
The FCT Command has deployed personnel to enforce the ban, with offenders facing arrest.
“Scavenging is now prohibited both day and night, and Pantaker Markets will remain closed for two weeks,” Odumosu emphasized.
During recent operations, security personnel recovered weapons and narcotics, including daggers, jack knives, chisels, iron rods, 45 wraps of Indian hemp, and 10 bottles of codeine syrup.
Odumosu urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue efforts to maintain law and order in Abuja.

Crime

Alia Mourns Victims of Benue Truck Crash

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2025

Admin

By Cynthia Abah

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident that claimed 10 lives in Okete, Ohimini Local Government Area.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, conveyed the governor’s condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as a devastating loss for the state.
Alia assured the affected families of the government’s support and pledged a full investigation to prevent future occurrences.
He prayed for the souls of the deceased and urged the community to rally around the grieving families in this difficult time.

Crime

Street Urchin in Soup for Stealing

Published

1 week ago

January 17, 2025

Admin

By Cynthia Abah

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Abdullahi Sodiq, a street urchin, for allegedly stealing valuables, including an iPhone 12 Pro Max and travel documents, from a woman in Sagamu.
Police spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola stated that officers from the Sakura Division apprehended Sodiq during a routine patrol after finding him in possession of a suspicious black nylon bag.
Upon investigation, the stolen items were traced to Iyabo Ogunubi, the rightful owner.
Authorities have assured that Sodiq will face prosecution while urging the public to remain vigilant against street theft.