The detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, alleging a violation of his fundamental rights. The suit was initiated through an application dated and submitted on March 18 by his legal representative, Olujoke Aliyu. Additionally, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped lawful custody on March 22, also lodged a separate enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, under case references FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, named the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the EFCC as the first and second respondents in their suits. They both sought similar relief, including a declaration that their detention and confiscation of their international travel passports violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended). The primary contention was that these actions infringed upon their constitutional right to personal liberty. Furthermore, Gambaryan requested an order for his immediate release and the return of his passport, along with an injunction preventing further detention or investigation related to Binance without proper cause.
In his supporting statement, Gambaryan, an American citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, narrated his visit to Nigeria on February 26 to engage with ONSA and EFCC representatives regarding Binance-related matters. He emphasized that his detention was unwarranted, as he had not committed any offense during the meeting nor received formal notification of any wrongdoing. His detainment appeared to stem solely from governmental requests for information from Binance, despite his non-involvement in the company’s board.
During the court proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, highlighted the absence of the respondents’ legal representation despite being served with the necessary documents. He informed the court of the withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, potentially linked to the applicant’s disappearance while in custody. Justice Ekwo adjourned the proceedings to April 8 to allow the applicants to secure legal representation and offer the respondents an opportunity to participate.
In Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo noted that although the processes were served on ONSA and EFCC, the respondents had not responded within the allotted timeframe. Seeking an extension, Krukrubo requested an adjournment until April 8 to allow the respondents sufficient time to file their applications. Justice Ekwo granted the adjournment for further mention.
