The wife of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, has made a public appeal to the Federal Government, urging for his release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health.
Gambaryan, who has been in custody since May, is reportedly suffering from severe medical conditions that require urgent and specialized care.
Gambaryan’s health has worsened significantly since he collapsed in court on May 23, 2024.
His condition, which includes a herniated disc that may necessitate risky surgery, has been left untreated, leading to further complications.
Despite repeated legal requests, his medical care and records have reportedly been withheld by prison authorities.
Concerns about Gambaryan’s health were raised by his legal team as early as May 27, with warnings that his life could be at risk if he remained in Kuje prison without proper medical attention.
However, despite a court order on July 5 for the prison management to release his medical certificate by July 16, this directive was not complied with.
On July 16, the presiding judge ordered that Gambaryan be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital for medical treatment under strict security measures. However, since July 26, his legal team has been denied access to him, a situation that has sparked further concern and controversy.
Gambaryan’s wife expressed deep concern about her husband’s health, noting that his condition, which was once treatable, has now rendered him wheelchair-bound. She also highlighted the emotional strain the situation has placed on their family, particularly their young son, who struggles to understand his father’s prolonged absence.
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.
