Detained Binance Chief in Need of Urgent Surgeries, Wife Reveals

Yuki Gambaryan, wife of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, has urgently appealed to the Federal Government for her husband's release on humanitarian grounds, citing his deteriorating health.

Tigran Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, were arrested in February for allegedly exploiting the Nigerian currency through their cryptocurrency platform. The Federal Government stated that Binance was not registered in Nigeria, had never paid taxes, and operated without regulatory oversight or safeguards against criminal activity.

In a statement released on Monday by Binance Executive spokesperson Monique Thompson, Yuki detailed her husband's severe health issues, including a herniated disc requiring "highly specialized and risky surgery." Tigran's condition has worsened since he collapsed in court on May 23, 2024, due to ill health, and despite repeated legal requests, necessary medical care and records have reportedly been withheld.

On May 27, Tigran's legal team expressed concern for his life if he remained in Kuje Prison without proper medical attention. His counsel, Mark Mordi, urged the court to address the alleged refusal of prison officials to release his medical report, despite a prior court order. During a hearing on July 16, Judge Emeke Nwite ordered Tigran's transfer to Nizamiye Hospital for medical care under strict security, yet Yuki claims that since July 26, his legal team has been denied access to him, violating both the Nigerian constitution and Section 45 of the Nigerian prison regulations.

Yuki also revealed that her once fit and active husband is now wheelchair-bound due to the untreated herniated disc, which threatens to cause permanent damage. "My husband left for a work trip almost six months ago, and his health is now shockingly bad and worsening daily," she said, adding that he also needs surgery to remove his tonsils due to recurring infections suffered in detention.

Reflecting on the emotional strain, Yuki stated, "Life is becoming harder every day for all of us due to Tigran's absence."

Tigran's legal battle continues, with court dates set for October 11 and 18. Meanwhile, American lawmakers have urged the U.S. government to declare Tigran "wrongfully detained" in Nigeria, adding international pressure to the case.

Binance reportedly generated over $20 billion in Nigeria in 2023, surpassing the federal budgets for health and education and contributing to currency speculation and the cost-of-living crisis. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris reiterated that Binance is unregistered in Nigeria, has never paid taxes, and has operated without regulatory oversight.

The Federal Government, on July 21, 2024, reaffirmed Tigran Gambaryan’s access to quality medical care and adherence to legal protocols, with Minister Mohammed asserting that he is receiving necessary medical attention and consular services from his home government.