NEWS
US lawmakers cry foul over detention of Binance executive in Nigeria
A group of US lawmakers has written to President Joe Biden, urging him to take immediate action to secure the release of an American citizen, Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance Executive who has been detained in Nigeria since February.
Gambaryan, a Binance executive, is facing trumped-up charges of money laundering and has been held in the notorious Kuje Prison, where he is being denied access to his legal team and is not receiving adequate healthcare.
According to the letter, which was signed by 16 members of Congress, Gambaryan’s health and well-being are in danger, and his detention constitutes a “coercion tactic by the Nigerian government to extort his employer.”
The lawmakers have called for his case to be transferred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, citing concerns over his safety and well-being.
Gambaryan’s ordeal began in February when he was detained along with his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, who later escaped from custody and fled the country.
The Nigerian government has filed charges against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, alleging that they were involved in money laundering and tax evasion.
However, the US lawmakers have described the charges as “baseless” and are calling for Gambaryan’s release.
The situation has taken a turn for the worse, with Gambaryan collapsing in court and being hospitalized.
The Nigerian government has failed to fully comply with the court order, and Gambaryan is not receiving adequate healthcare.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.