A Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria, witnessed a dramatic scene on Thursday when Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive facing money laundering charges, collapsed in the courtroom due to alleged ill-health.
The incident occurred shortly after Justice Emeka Nwite called for the continuation of Gambaryan’s trial. Gambaryan, who had been seated in the back row, did not respond when summoned to the dock. His lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, assisted him towards the dock, but Gambaryan fell and had to be seated in the front row.
Mordi informed the court that Gambaryan had been unwell, and a written application had been submitted to notify the court of his condition, suggesting that the trial may need to be adjourned. Throughout the proceeding, Gambaryan rested on the arm of his seat, indicating his inability to stand or participate actively.
Justice Nwite had previously denied Gambaryan’s bail application on May 16, citing concerns from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he might flee if granted bail. Gambaryan is currently held at Kuje Correctional Centre.
Additionally, a tax evasion charge against Binance Holdings Limited and Gambaryan, filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), could not proceed on Wednesday due to his absence in court.
