In the ongoing money laundering trial at Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja, Binance’s compliance executive Tigran Gambaryan continues to battle severe health issues, complicating the proceedings. The trial, marked by interruptions and delays, saw Gambaryan’s defense team rigorously cross-examining government officials this week, reported Osato Avan-Nomayo out of the courtroom.
US lawmakers are calling for urgent intervention to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive currently detained in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that the trial of Binance and Gambaryan, who is accused of illegal crypto trading in Nigeria, is proceeding according to Nigeria's laws. The statement followed a letter sent to President Joe Biden, urging the US hostage affairs unit to facilitate Gambaryan's release.
The money laundering trial involving Binance Nigeria has been postponed to May 17, according to a family spokesperson for detained executive Tigran Gambaryan. This delay stems from a need for additional time granted to Binance's legal team to review new evidence presented by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The postponement was announced after it was found that Binance’s lawyers had not previously seen a crucial 300-page document submitted by the EFCC.
In another move by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a Federal High Court has authorized the blocking of 1,146 bank accounts allegedly connected to forex transactions. These accounts are under investigation for allegations of unauthorized foreign exchange dealings, money laundering, and terrorism financing. There are ongoing rumors that this extensive investigation specifically targets Binance Nigeria.