Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla have filed a legal complaint against Nigeria’s security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging rights violations.
Their lawsuits, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 respectively, seek to bring to light serious allegations of rights violations by the Nigerian authorities.
NAN reports that on March 18, originating motions were filed by their legal representative Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, seeking relief before Justice Inyang Ekwo. Gambaryan and Anjarwalla allege that their fundamental rights were infringed upon, particularly regarding their detention and the confiscation of their passports.
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Gambaryan, responsible for financial crime compliance at Binance, contends that his detention violates constitutional provisions safeguarding personal liberty. He demands immediate release and the return of his passport, as well as injunctions against further detention and a public apology.
Anjarwalla, serving as Binance’s Africa regional manager, echoes similar sentiments, noting the arbitrary nature of their detention without formal charges.
In Gambaryan’s application, he explicitly states: “I seek a declaration that my detention and seizure of my passport contravened sections 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).” He further stated: “The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company.”
During the court proceedings, the absence of legal representation for Anjarwalla raised significant questions, especially in light of his subsequent escape from custody. The court granted an adjournment to enable Anjarwalla to secure legal counsel and for the respondents to adequately prepare their defense.
Mr. T.J. Krukrubo, appearing for both Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court. He informed the court that while the processes had been served on ONSA and EFCC, they still required time to respond adequately. Therefore, he requested an adjourned date, highlighting that the respondents’ time to file their applications would expire the following Thursday.
“Although the respondents were served two days ago, they were not represented.” Furthermore, he drew attention to their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26. This move raised speculation, particularly considering Anjarwalla’s escape.
Regarding the adjournment, the judge remarked, “Withdrawing the legal representation means that the applicant has no legal representation and requires that the matter be adjourned for the applicant to seek legal representation and for the respondents to be given an opportunity to come to court.” The judge consequently adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention.
Meanwhile, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said it’s working with the international community to see that the escapee Binance executive is extradited.
“Upon receiving this report, this office took immediate steps, in conjunction with relevant security agencies, MDAs, as well as the international community, to apprehend the suspect,” a statement by the head of Strategic Communication, ONSA, Zakari Mijinyawa, said.
However, critics have faulted the move, noting that the Nigerian government has no basis to request extradition given how the Binance executives were arrested and remanded in custody in violation of their rights.
Given its notoriety, the outcomes of these cases will not only affect the individuals involved but also have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s reputation for upholding the rule of law and respecting international legal norms.