Detained Binance executive to receive treatment in Abuja hospital
Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan
Detained Binance Holdings Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has been granted an opportunity to receive medical treatment at a standard hospital in Abuja under security supervision.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for a period ranging from three days to two weeks under security supervision.
This came after Justice Nwite refused Gambaryan’s fresh bail application on medical grounds, stating that “renowned Nigerian medical experts are already managing the second defendant’s health.”
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, had on September 4 argued that his client’s health was in peril, adding that he required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety.
Mordi requested a six-week bail for Gambaryan to seek proper medical attention outside the prison, citing inadequate care in custody.
However, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ekele Iheanacho, opposed the bail application, arguing that Gambaryan’s health condition was being exaggerated.
Iheanacho contended that the suspect could receive treatment while detained at Kuje Correctional Facility, asserting that his health was not serious enough to warrant bail.
He noted that Gambaryan had been taken to top medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, explaining that a medical report from the State House Clinic indicated that he had refused medication and treatment.
He further stated that reports from Nizamiye Hospital showed that Gambaryan had received comprehensive care and exhibited no signs of health deterioration.
Iheanacho said, “Experts have been engaged, and the NCS is taking care of him. The results so far show no serious illness. Complaints have been sent to the National Security Adviser.”
In his ruling, Justice Nwite rejected the bail application, stating that experienced medical experts were already managing Gambaryan’s health in custody.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to October 18, 2024, and November 22 and 25, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
Gambaryan is facing $35.4m money laundering charges brought against him by the EFCC.
