A recent development in the case of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has seen the Nigerian court delaying the decision on his bail application until October 9th. This decision was made by Judge Emeka Nwite after hearing arguments from both Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, and the prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, who was against the bail request. This postponement adds further uncertainty to Gambaryan’s situation, prolonging his time in detention.
Gambaryan’s lawyer submitted a new bail application on September 2nd, citing medical reasons and his deteriorating health conditions as the primary reasons for seeking bail. The American citizen is said to be suffering from malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and complications from a herniated disc, all of which have severely impaired his mobility. Modi, his lawyer, requested a six-week bail period for Gambaryan to receive proper medical treatment. A viral video showing Gambaryan limping into court has stirred up backlash within the crypto community, with critics condemning the Nigerian government for its handling of the situation.
Local media outlets have reported that Gambaryan allegedly refused prescribed medications and food during his detention. A medical report from the State House Annex Clinic in Abuja revealed that a neurosurgeon had recommended medication, physiotherapy, and urgent lumbar discectomy surgery for Gambaryan due to his long-standing back pain and anxiety issues. However, Gambaryan expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment provided, insisting on being transferred to Nizamiye Hospital as per a court directive. This led to him intermittently rejecting the prescribed treatment and food, in an attempt to secure a transfer to the desired hospital.
The situation surrounding Gambaryan’s detention has sparked widespread criticism, with many in the crypto community expressing outrage at the Nigerian government’s actions. Jeff Roberts, a crypto editor at Fortune Magazine, condemned the government’s perceived attempt to extort Binance for $10 billion and subsequently subjecting Gambaryan to torture and humiliation. The delay in the decision regarding his bail application only adds to the public outcry and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Gambaryan’s health and well-being.
The postponement of the decision on Tigran Gambaryan’s bail application raises further questions about the treatment of detained individuals in Nigeria and the impact on his health and safety. The widespread criticism and public outcry highlight the need for transparency and fair treatment in such cases, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved.
