The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations from U.S. lawmakers about inadequate medical care for Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive facing financial crime charges.
The Nigerian Federal Government has strongly denied recent claims by U.S. lawmakers regarding the deteriorating health and inadequate medical care of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained at Kuje prison on charges of tax evasion and financial crimes.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, labeled the accusations as “false and baseless.” Idris emphasized that Gambaryan’s detention complies with legal orders and that he receives appropriate medical care and consular services.
“It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” the statement read. “We would like to state that these allegations are false and should be ignored. Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.”
Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding Gambaryan’s legal rights during his trial, noting, “The Federal Government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The statement followed a visit by U.S. Representatives French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan to Kuje prison, where they raised concerns about Gambaryan’s health. The lawmakers alleged that he is suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, has lost significant weight, and is not receiving adequate medical attention. They called for his immediate release.
Responding to these claims, Idris maintained that the detention conditions adhere to legal and diplomatic standards, ensuring fair treatment and the protection of Gambaryan’s rights throughout the judicial process.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to follow due process in its quest to bring Binance to justice — a legitimate sovereign quest that is similarly being pursued in several other countries around the world,” Idris concluded, underscoring Nigeria’s dedication to justice and the integrity of its judicial processes.
