‘Binance Executive Gambaryan Remanded In Kuje Prison Seriously Ill, May Die Of Malaria’, Lawyer Appeals To Court
Mr Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of cryptocurrency firm Binance Holdings Limited, standing trial alongside the company in Nigeria, may die in Kuje Correctional Centre, Aluko & Oyebode and Co., the law firm representing him in the case has said.
Gambaryan is facing a money laundering charge.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Gambaryan slumped in a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday.
The drama occurred shortly after the matter was called for trial continuation before Justice Emeka Nwite.
However, the law firm in a letter addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court (FHC) and signed by a Partner, C.J. Caleb said the suspect may die of malaria in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The letter dated and filed on May 23, which was obtained by NAN, was titled: “Re: Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/128/2024 – Application for the Provision of Medical Treatment to Mr. Tigran Gambrayan at Nizamiye Hospital.”
The lawyer, therefore, raised the alarm over Gambaryan’s continued stay in the correctional facility, expressing fear for his life amid his alleged deteriorating health.
Caleb said: “We continue to act as counsel to Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, the 2nd defendant in the captioned suit pending before the Honourable Justice E. Nwite sitting at Court 9 of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
“Gambaryan, the Head of Financial Crimes Compliance of the cryptocurrency platform, broke down on Wednesday (May 22) in prison and was administered with “Intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria” by the medical personnel.
“Please be informed that the 2nd defendant, who is an American citizen and remanded at the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility is very ill and requires comprehensive medical attention at the best available hospital within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.
“The applicant broke down yesterday and the medical facility gave him Intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria.
“The Consul Officer at the United States Consul Office in Abuja, emphasised the need for the applicant to receive comprehensive treatment because malaria is a severe disease for American citizens which can result in death because they do not have the immunity that ordinary Nigerians have against the disease.”
Caleb said the defendant equally suffered from throat infection and added that “the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility is currently undergoing renovation works.”
He said given the situation, the suspect should be “transferred to Nizayime Hospital, Abuja, to receive comprehensive diagnoses and treatment for the preservation of his Iife”.(SaharaReporters)
