October 11, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court, Abuja, has again refused bail application filed by Tigran Gambaryan, the detained Head of Binance financial crime compliance unit.
THEWILL reports that the Court had on April 8, ordered that Gambaryan be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre. He was refused bail on May 17.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), had on September 4, requested a six-week bail for Gambaryan to seek proper medical attention outside of prison, citing inadequate care in custody. Mordi told the court that Gambaryan’s health was “perilous” and required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety.
Although, the prosecution team of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led by Ekele Iheanacho, had objected to the bail application.
“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”, the anti-graft agency told the court.
Ruling Friday in the motion for bail on medical grounds, Justice Nwite rejected the request, noting that “renowned Nigerian medical experts are already managing the second defendant’s health.”
He, however, ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service “to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for three days to two weeks under security supervision.”
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned until October 18, 2024, and November 22 and 25, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
Gambaryan is facing $35.4 million in money laundering charges brought against him by the EFCC.
Tigran Gambaryan, along with the exchange’s British-Kenyan regional manager for Africa, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were charged with laundering more than $35 million. Gambaryan has been in custody since February 2024.
