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.
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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.
. . . As Operatives Recover Dangerous Weapons, Other Assets
As part of the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to emplace peace and public safety across Nigeria, operatives attached to the Imo State Police Command achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
The feat saw operatives neutralised three deadly terrorist kingpins associated with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), destroyed their camps and recovered weapons.
In a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, the NPF wrote, “On January 24, 2025, operatives from the Command’s tactical Unit following credible intelligence launched a coordinated operation aimed at locating and dislodging the terrorist hideouts.
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“The police operatives located the terrorists’ hideout in a forest within Ihube, Okigwe LGA. Upon approach, the operatives came under heavy fire from suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists but demonstrated exceptional courage and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle.
“The operation resulted in the neutralization of 6 members of the terrorist group, with 3 being ESN kingpins identified as Ifeanyi Anayo a.k.a. Zuma De Rock (28), Chukwuemeka Odionyenfe a.k.a. Nmimi (22), and Kingsley Sunday (21)— all natives of Ogube, Ihube in Okigwe Local Government Area, and the recovery of five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of live ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), several communication equipment, along with 8 operational motorcycles used by the group.
“Prior investigations had revealed the involvement of the group in several high-profile crimes, including the attack on the Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021, the killing of five policemen in Umunna, Okigwe, on December 12, 2022, and the burning of Arondizuogu Police Station on February 8, 2022.
“The group was also involved in multiple kidnappings, including those of WAEC staff on June 5, 2023, four reverend sisters on August 21, 2022, and four Chinese nationals on December 6, 2023.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has commended the gallant operatives for their exceptional display of bravery and coordination.
“The IGP charges police operatives across commands and formations to sustain the tempo and implement the Force’s action plan aimed at reducing crimes drastically in the first quarter of the year 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unyielding in its goal towards ensuring national security and public safety.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain vigilant and work collaboratively with the Nigeria Police Force to promote peace and ensure a safer environment for all citizens.”
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………..
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October 18, 2024 at 3:40 pm
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