Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive from Binance, has recently taken legal action against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged violations of his fundamental rights. The lawsuit, which was filed by Gambaryan’s lawyer Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm on March 18, seeks redress for various grievances.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, outlines five key reliefs Gambaryan is seeking before Justice Inyang Ekwo. These reliefs include a declaration that his detention and the seizure of his international travel passport contravene Section 35 (1) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty. Gambaryan also requests an order for his immediate release from custody and the return of his travel documents, as well as an injunction to prevent further detention related to any Binance-related investigations.
Furthermore, Gambaryan, who serves as a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, asserts that his detention was solely from government demands on Binance for information. He claimed that he did not commit any offense during a meeting with Nigerian authorities on February 26 and was not formally informed of any wrongdoing in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, who escaped lawful custody on March 22, also filed a separate lawsuit before Justice Ekwo. The suits, which name the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents, seek similar reliefs and highlight a growing legal challenge between Binance executives and Nigerian authorities.
During a court appearance, T.J. Krukrubo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, represented both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla. Krukrubo informed the court that although the respondents were served with legal documents, they were not present in court. He also mentioned the withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla. Although kukrubor did not give any direct reasons, it appears that the withdrawal may be possibly linked to Anjarwalla’s disappearance from custody.
In response, Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until April 8, allowing time for the applicants to secure new legal representation and for the respondents to appear in court.
