- Minister Mohammed Idris assured due process in the trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who received consular access
- Idris highlighted Binance’s controversial history and emphasized the need for the courts to hold the company accountable
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured that due process will be followed at every stage of the trial of the Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan. Speaking through his Media Special Assistant, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris emphasized that Gambaryan has received consular access and all due care by diplomatic protocols and the rule of law.
Idris noted that the judge presiding over the case denied bail due to the flight risk, especially after a co-accused, now subject to an Interpol warrant, absconded. He stated, “At all stages, due process has been followed, and prosecutors are confident of their case, based on the facts and evidence gathered. Binance will have every opportunity to defend itself in court against these severe charges of financial crimes against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The next hearing is on June 20, 2024.”
He also highlighted Binance’s controversial history, pointing out that its representatives have faced imprisonment, fines, sanctions, and bans in North America, Europe, and Asia. Idris referenced Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, who is currently serving a four-month prison sentence in the United States for money laundering. He added, “Binance has openly accepted its role in facilitating terrorism, corruption, sanctions busting, and in aiding and abetting paedophile gangs.”
Idris further asserted that Nigerian law enforcement agencies believe Binance’s operations in Nigeria are part of a broader international pattern, and it will be up to the courts to hold the company and its executives accountable.
Earlier, U.S. lawmakers had accused Nigeria of taking Gambaryan “hostage” and urged President Joe Biden to intervene. Sixteen Republican congressmen, including Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote to Biden to refer Gambaryan’s case to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been held in Abuja since April 2024. The lawmakers described the charges against him as baseless, suggesting they were a coercion tactic by the Nigerian government to extort Binance.
The conflict between Nigeria and Binance emerged in February when Nigerian authorities detained Gambaryan and a colleague, who later escaped, during a visit to discuss the company’s compliance issues. Initially held at a guest house, Gambaryan faced formal charges in an Abuja court in April, including non-payment of value-added and corporate income tax and conspiracy to aid customers in evading taxes through the Binance platform.