Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, has made a bold move against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.
In a legal action marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, Gambaryan seeks a declaration that his detention and confiscation of his international travel passport violate Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution. He urges the court to order his release from custody and the immediate return of his passport.
Additionally, Gambaryan demands a permanent injunction against the respondents and their agents from further detaining him regarding any Binance-related investigation or demands. He also requests a public apology from the respondents.
Gambaryan asserts that he and fellow executive Nadeem Anjarwalla came to Nigeria at the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss Binance matters. Anjarwalla, however, managed to escape from their shared guest house.
Gambaryan maintains that he committed no offense during the meeting and was not formally informed of any wrongdoing during his time in Nigeria. He believes his detention is solely due to government requests for information from Binance and demands on the company.
Anjarwalla has also initiated legal action, with a similar suit marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.
During Thursday’s proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) represented the plaintiffs, while the respondents had no representation. Krukrubo informed the court of the respondents’ recent service but unexpectedly withdrew from representing Anjarwalla, without providing reasons.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the matter until April 8, marking another chapter in this ongoing legal battle.