Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, was brought to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court in a wheelchair on Tuesday to face money laundering charges alongside the cryptocurrency firm. Dressed in a black T-shirt and blue jeans, Gambaryan slowly walked into the dock after initially arriving in the wheelchair.
The court session, which was scheduled for the continuation of the trial, saw the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, requesting a brief adjournment. Ujam informed the court that the commission’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, was not present and asked for the matter to be stood down to allow Iheanacho to conduct the trial. Lawyers for Binance and Gambaryan, Babatunde Fagbohunlu and Mark Mordi respectively, did not oppose the application.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request, standing down the matter until 12:00 p.m. This development follows a prior order by Justice Nwite on July 5, directing the Nigerian Correctional Service to release Gambaryan’s medical certificate by July 16. The order was issued after Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mr. Mordi, filed an application requesting the court to summon the medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre’s health facility. The doctor had allegedly refused to provide Gambaryan’s medical report despite an earlier court order.
Gambaryan’s health has been a significant concern throughout the legal proceedings. On May 23, he collapsed in open court, citing severe health issues. The defense law firm, Aluko & Oyebode, subsequently raised alarms about Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, warning on May 27 that he might die in Kuje prison without proper medical attention.
The case has garnered significant attention, highlighting the challenges and complexities associated with high-profile financial crime cases involving international entities. The EFCC’s pursuit of the case underscores its commitment to tackling money laundering and financial crimes within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.
As the court proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring Gambaryan’s health needs are adequately met while upholding the judicial process. The next steps in the trial will be closely watched, given the implications for both the individual defendant and the broader operations of Binance Holdings Limited.
