Due Process and Legal Proceedings
According to Idris’s statement, Gambaryan’s trial has adhered to all due processes at all stages. “Prosecutors are confident in their case based on the evidence gathered,” the minister added. The next court hearing is set for June 20, 2024, and Binance will be granted the opportunity to defend itself in court. Idris labeled the charges against Binance as “severe” financial crimes.
US Lawmakers’ Concerns
In contrast, U.S. lawmakers have claimed that the charges against Binance’s head of financial crime compliance are “baseless.” The Nigerian minister’s statements are likely a response to concerns raised by U.S. politicians. On June 4, twelve U.S. politicians raised concerns about Gambaryan being “wrongfully detained” by the Nigerian government. They alleged that the charges were an effort to extort Binance and that Gambaryan had been denied proper legal meetings.
Nigerian Government’s Position
However, the Minister of Information claims that Binance had received consular access and that all standard diplomatic protocols were followed as per the rule of law. Further, the minister clarified that Gambaryan was considered a flight risk, leading to his bail denial on May 17, especially after another Binance exec, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escaped Nigerian custody in March.
Legal and Health Concerns
A Nigerian court previously rejected Gambaryan’s defense argument that he alone shouldn’t be held responsible for Binance’s operations. Attorneys for Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted that constitutional provisions allow the prosecution of company executives. Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were arrested in February on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. Anjarwalla fled to Kenya, leaving Gambaryan in the infamous Kuje Prison.
Appeals to the White House
In their letter, lawmakers highlighted that Kuje Prison was “designed to hold ISIS combatants” and urged President Biden to appoint the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs to handle Gambaryan’s case. They also raised concerns over Gambaryan’s health, stating that he had contracted malaria and that a court order for his proper medical care was not followed.
Awaiting a Response
At the time of publication, the White House hasn’t made an official response to the situation.
