Crime
Courtroom Drama As Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Goes Missing
Mild drama ensued at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited, was unexpectedly absent from his scheduled trial in a case involving alleged money laundering charges.
The absence of Gambaryan, who is also Binance’s country representative, left the court in a state of confusion.
The trial, which had been adjourned to October 20 by Justice Emeka Nwite, was set to continue after an earlier court session on October 11.
Read Also: Wizkid Releases New Single ‘Piece of My Heart’ Featuring Brent Faiyaz
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Binance Holdings Ltd and Gambaryan of involvement in money laundering activities.
However, when the case was called, all counsel were present in the courtroom except for Gambaryan.
Justice Nwite immediately sought clarification from Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, regarding his client’s absence.
Mordi, visibly surprised, informed the court that he had no prior knowledge of why Gambaryan had not been produced.
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, also expressed shock at Gambaryan’s absence, stating that he had expected the defendant to be present as he was in custody.
Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, counsel for Binance, echoed similar concerns and questioned the EFCC’s accountability. “He is in their custody. It is surprising they are unaware of his whereabouts,” Krukrubo remarked.
Justice Nwite then turned to an officer from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) present in court, who confirmed that Gambaryan had indeed been in their custody but could not explain his failure to appear.
Justice Nwite asked the officer to contact the head of Kuje Correctional Centre, where Gambaryan was being held, to provide answers regarding the executive’s absence.
After a brief adjournment to gather more information, the NCoS officer reported back to the court, revealing that Gambaryan had fallen seriously ill, which prevented his transfer to court for the hearing.
Following this development, Mordi requested the court to adjourn the matter to a later date, allowing time to assess Gambaryan’s health condition.
“We seek an adjournment to provide a status report on the 2nd defendant’s health and ensure he receives the necessary medical attention,” Mordi submitted.
The EFCC’s counsel, while ready to proceed with the trial, did not oppose the adjournment request, emphasizing that Gambaryan’s health must take priority.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the case to October 25, 2024, pending an update on Gambaryan’s health and for the trial to continue thereafter.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
WHO Releases Alarming Casualty Figures From US‑Israel‑Iran Conflict
PDP’s Festering Crisis Chases Tambuwal to ADC
$200/barrel Price Likely as Iran Threatens Oil Ships
2026 Poll: Osun Ndigbo Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid
NGX Group, IFC, CSCS and WIMBIZ Convene Leaders to Advance Gender Equality at 2026 Ring the Bell Ceremony
Adeleke on Why he Deserves Second Term
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Things To Know About Threads, Zuckerberg’s Twitter-like App
677168 425146never saw a internet site like this, relaly impressed. compared to other blogs with this article this was definatly the top web site. will save. 825770
450503 816013Someone essentially lend a hand to make critically articles Id state. That is the 1st time I frequented your website page and so far? I amazed with the research you produced to create this actual post extraordinary. Amazing activity! 549348
99957 956597Up to now, you demand to term of hire an absolute truck or van and will also be removal equipments to valuable items plus have a look at the new destination. From the long run, which finish up with are couple of points except anxiety moreover stress and anxiety. removals stockport 935912
331918 420601Quite intriguing topic , thanks for putting up. 612771