Binance Exec's Health Deteriorates in Nigeria Prison, Wheelchair-Bound in Court

Binance Holdings Limited Executive Tigran Gambaryan appeared in Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday in a wheelchair. Suffering from severe back pain due to a herniated disc, Gambaryan has reportedly struggled to receive adequate medical care during his detention. 

His health has deteriorated, compounded by previous bouts with malaria and double pneumonia at the Kuje detention facility.

Medical Neglect and Legal Struggles

Gambaryan’s complaints about his worsening condition have largely gone unanswered by prison authorities, despite several orders from Judge Emeka Nwite. The judge had previously mandated the release of Gambaryan’s medical records, a directive that has been ignored without explanation. 

The judge reiterated this order following an application by Mordi, who also sought to summon the medical doctor from the Kuje Correctional Centre to explain the refusal to release the medical report. Nwite issued an arrest warrant for the prison's medical director, Abraham Ehizojie, for not releasing Gambaryan's medical test results and failing to appear in court.

Gambaryan had previously collapsed in court on May 23, and his lawyers had raised alarms about his deteriorating health on May 27.

On  July 16, Gambaryan, in visible pain, had to get out of his wheelchair and make his way slowly into the dock during the court session, according to sources.

Cross-Examination Amid Health Concerns

During the hearing on July 16, Binance’s lawyers began their cross-examination of the second witness presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The witness admitted to never having met Gambaryan.

The EFCC's lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, requested that the court stand down so that lead counsel Ekele Iheanacho could conduct the trial. This request was not opposed by the defense lawyers, Babatunde Fagbohunlu and Mark Mordi.

Temporary Hospitalization Granted

Gambaryan’s wife issued a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian authorities, urging them to release her husband on humanitarian grounds. 

"This ordeal has taken a severe toll on him, leaving him in so much pain that he can hardly walk," she said. "Tigran is innocent. All he did was dutifully travel to Nigeria for a meeting. Now our lives have been turned upside down, and his health is at serious risk. I need him safely home with us right now."

In a small victory for Gambaryan, Justice Nwite allowed him to be hospitalized for 24 hours at the Nizamiye Hospital, a high-end Turkish-Nigerian medical facility in Abuja, with the provision of tight security during his stay. 

U.S. Lawmakers’ Involvement

The Biden Administration has faced criticism for its perceived inaction regarding Gambaryan’s plight. Two members of Congress, Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) and Rep. 

Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.) visited Gambaryan in prison last month. They called on the U.S. embassy to advocate for his humanitarian release, citing the “horrible conditions in the prison, his innocence, and his health.”