CRIMINAL PROSECUTION 29/03/2024
Binance Executive Sues NSA, EFCC Over Alleged Rights Violation, Unlawful Detention
Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance, has filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged violation of his fundamental rights. Gambaryan’s lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, filed the originating motion on March 18, seeking five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who recently escaped from lawful custody, also filed a separate lawsuit before Justice Ekwo. Both suits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, name the Office of the NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents.
In the originating motion, Gambaryan sought a declaration that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution. He also requested the release of his passport, an injunction against further detention, a public apology, and costs for the legal action.
Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, visited Nigeria on February 26 for a meeting with ONSA and EFCC to discuss issues related to Binance. Despite dutifully attending the meeting, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were detained by the respondents and have remained in custody since.
When the suits were called on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, appearing for Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court that the respondents were served but not represented. Krukrubo also mentioned their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26.
Justice Ekwo noted the withdrawal of legal representation and adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention. In Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo stated that the respondents were yet to respond but requested an adjourned date as their time to file applications would expire soon. The judge accordingly adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention.
