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Tigran Gambaryan in court with an EFCC operative
The wife of detained Binance executive, Yuki Gambaryan, has made a plea to the Federal Government, requesting her husband, Tigran Gambaryan, be released on humanitarian grounds before his health deteriorates further.
Yuki, in a statement sent by Gambaryan’s spokesperson, Monique Thompson, on Monday, detailed the severe health issues her husband is facing, which include a herniated disc that requires “highly specialized and risky surgery.”
Gambaryan’s condition she said has worsened since his collapse in court on May 23, 2024, due to ill health and
that despite repeated legal requests, the necessary medical care and records have reportedly been withheld.
On May 27, Tigran’s legal team expressed concern that his life was at risk if he remained in Kuje prison without proper medical attention.
His counsel, Mark Mordi, called on the court to address the alleged refusal of prison officials to release his medical report, as per a previous court order.
Although a judge ordered on July 5 that the prison management release the medical certificate by July 16, the directive was not complied with.
During a hearing on July 16, the presiding judge, Emeke Nwite, ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care under strict security surveillance.
However, according to Yuki, her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison since July 26.
This, she said, is against both the Nigerian constitution and section 45 of the Nigerian prisons regulations which state that “all prisoners, other than prisoners under sentence, shall be allowed all reasonable opportunities daily of communicating with their friends or legal adviser, and they may write and receive letters.”
“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,” she said.
“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 specialised 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.”
Reflecting on the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family, Yuki shared the pain of their children, particularly their five-year-old son, who struggles to comprehend his father’s prolonged absence. “Life is becoming harder every day for all of us because of Tigran’s absence,” she said, appealing to the Nigerian government to allow her husband to return home for urgent medical treatment.
Gambaryan’s legal battle continues, with the next court dates set for October 11 and 18. Meanwhile, American lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran “wrongfully detained” in Nigeria, adding international pressure to the case.
Binance reportedly had a turnover of over $20bn in Nigeria in 2023, exceeding 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 operated without regulatory oversight or safeguards to detect criminal activity.
The FG on July 21, 2024, reaffirmed Gambaryan’s access to quality medical care and adherence to legal protocols.
Mohammed asserted that Gambaryan receives necessary medical attention and benefits from consular services provided by his home government.
