Blockchain

Binance Executive Sues Nigeria’s NSA Over Detention

Published

8 months ago

March 28, 2024

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Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to reports for local media outlets, Gambaryan sued the NSA on March 28 for an alleged violation of his fundamental human rights seeking five major reliefs from the court. This comes on the back of the arrest and detention of two Binance executives by the Nigerian government.

Represented by his lawyers in Aluko and Oyebode, he approached a Federal High Court in the nation’s capital seeking relief. Bothering on human rights, his lawyers argued the seizure of his international passport was against his constitutional and personal liberty.

He urged the court to grant a return of his passport and immediate release from custody after over three weeks. Furthermore, he sought an injunction against future detention in similar investigations and a public apology from the NSA and EFCC. Finally, he asked the court for the cost of the action on full indemnity.

Gambaryan Recounts Ordeal

He noted that he is an American citizen who came to Nigeria with his colleague on Feb 26 following an invitation from the NSA and EFCC to discuss developing issues regarding Binance in the county.

Maintaining his innocence, he stated that did no wrongdoing at the meeting and neither was he informed of any crime before his arrest.

“The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company,” his lawyers said.

Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla who escaped from custody filed a suit on rights enforcement through his lawyers.

Binance Woes in Nigeria

The Nigerian government alleged that Binance P2P for the naira had an impact on the country’s local currency. This year, the naira was on a free fall losing significant value. The government also alleged three platform’s use in money laundering activities. In reaction, Binance sent executives to negotiate at the government’s request and delisted the NGN P2P options.

Following the arrest of the two executives, the digital asset community has urged the Nigerian government to release both men as events continue to put the sector in a bad light. The Kenyan Blockchain Association met the Nigerian High Commission demanding the release of Anjarwalla. The Nigerian government subsequently filed tax evasion charges against Binance.