Crime
Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan Released After Eight-Month Detention In Nigeria
Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has been released from detention in Nigeria after spending eight months in custody.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen, was freed following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which dismissed money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement on Thursday, the global cryptocurrency exchange confirmed his release, expressing concern for his deteriorating health during his imprisonment.
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“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention,” the statement read.
“His health has suffered significantly while in prison. He will now be able to receive the medical attention he desperately needs.”
Gambaryan’s release comes after a prolonged legal battle.
He and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were arrested in February on allegations of laundering $35 million.
While Anjarwalla managed to escape custody in March, Gambaryan was held in detention and formally charged in April.
The case, which attracted significant international attention, was delayed due to concerns about Gambaryan’s declining health.
The EFCC informed the court that his condition had worsened, and a report by the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser, revealed that Gambaryan was reliant on a wheelchair.
In Wednesday’s ruling, the court dismissed the charges, leading to his release from Kuje prison later that night.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, expressed relief following the news.
She said, “The past eight months have been a nightmare for our family. While it is heartbreaking that his health has deteriorated so much, we are thankful that this ordeal is over, and we can now focus on his recovery.”
She also thanked the U.S. government for its involvement in securing her husband’s release, adding, “There were times I feared this day might never come, but the support from friends, family, and the international community gave me strength. Our children are excited to have their father back.”
The case has been closely watched in the cryptocurrency and compliance sectors, as Binance continues to navigate global regulatory challenges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.
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