Key Takeaways:
- Binance has filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser and the EFCC due to prolonged detention
- Detained Binance executive has accused Economic Financial Crimes Commission of infringing his fundamental human rights.
The detention of Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance, has sparked legal action against Nigerian authorities, with a filing related to violation of fundamental human rights
Alongside Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, Mr. Nadeem Anjarwalla, who is currently evading custody, Gambaryan seeks redress for alleged violations by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reports from local media outlets indicate that Gambaryan initiated legal proceedings on March 28, citing breaches of his fundamental human rights and seeking various reliefs from the court.
The charges levied against Binance include non-payment of Value-Added Tax, Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.
Represented by legal counsel from Aluko and Oyebode, Gambaryan approached the Federal High Court in Nigeria’s capital, emphasizing the unconstitutional seizure of his international passport, which impinges on his personal liberty.
Gambaryan’s demands include the immediate return of his passport, a public apology, and an injunction to prevent further detention related to the Binance investigation. Additionally, the motion calls for the defendants to cover all legal expenses incurred during the proceedings.
The suit alleges that Gambaryan and Anjarwalla were in Nigeria at the behest of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss matters concerning Binance in the country.
Anjarwalla’s escape from Nigerian custody adds complexity to the situation, with Gambaryan asserting that their detention is solely due to government requests for information from Binance.
In support of the legal action, Gambaryan highlights his status as an American citizen who visited Nigeria on official business. The lawsuit underscores concerns regarding human rights violations and the rule of law in Nigeria’s handling of the Binance investigation.
As the case unfolds, it draws attention to the intersection of regulatory scrutiny, corporate governance, and individual rights within the cryptocurrency industry. The outcome of Gambaryan’s lawsuit may have broader implications for regulatory practices and international cooperation in addressing financial crimes involving cryptocurrency platforms.
