A Nigerian lawmaker, Philip Agbese, has filed a N1.5 billion lawsuit against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan over allegations of bribery and defamation.
The controversy began after Gambaryan accused three Nigerian lawmakers, including Agbese and Peter Akpanke, of demanding a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency payments into their wallets. In response, Agbese denied the claims, stating that he has never been involved in cryptocurrency trading and does not own a crypto wallet.
Despite issuing a seven-day ultimatum for Gambaryan to either provide evidence, retract the allegations, or apologize, Agbese proceeded with legal action three days after the deadline expired. The lawsuit was filed at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama.
In his statement, Agbese emphasized that his reputation as a congressman and Nigerian citizen was at stake. “If I fail to challenge this today, posterity, my children, and the generations to come will not forgive me,” he said.
The lawmaker is demanding N1.5 billion in damages and has also requested a court order restraining Gambaryan and his associates from making further defamatory statements. He insists that the Binance executive must retract his claims publicly.
Authorities are yet to comment on the lawsuit, while Binance has not issued an official response regarding the legal action against its executive.
