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

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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.

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ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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