Detained Binance executive accuses EFCC, NSA of rights infringement

A detained executive of Binance, Tigran Gambaryan has alleged that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) violated his fundamental human rights.

In an originating motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, Gambaryan sought relief, asserting that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport infringed upon Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Gambaryan implored the court to order the NSA and EFCC to release him from their custody promptly and return his passport.

Furthermore, he demanded a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him regarding any Binance-related investigations. Additionally, Gambaryan requested a public apology from the respondents.

According to Gambaryan, he was in Nigeria alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, who subsequently fled, to discuss matters concerning Binance in the country at the invitation of ONSA and EFCC.

Gambaryan maintained that he had not committed any offense during the meeting and was not formally informed of any wrongdoing in Nigeria.

Anjarwalla, who also fled, filed a similar suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24. During the recent proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) represented the plaintiffs, while the respondents had no representation. Krukrubo informed the court that the respondents were served two days before.

However, he unexpectedly withdrew from representing Anjarwalla without providing reasons.

The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the matter until April 8 for further proceedings.