Tigran Gambaryan, a top executive at Binance, continues to suffer from deteriorating health while detained in Nigeria. Despite visible signs of distress, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria (EFCC) maintains that his condition is not severe, leading to another denial of bail.
Health Condition and Court Appearance
On Monday, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been in Nigerian custody for six months, appeared in an Abuja courtroom in a visibly distressed state. He was forced to enter the courtroom on crutches after being denied the use of a wheelchair. According to his family, Gambaryan’s health has been rapidly declining. The former IRS Special Agent now struggles to walk and suffers from pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis. A video circulating on social media captured his distress, showing the Binance executive pleading for assistance and expressing frustration at the lack of adequate support.
Battle for Bail
Following Monday’s court appearance, Gambaryan's legal team filed a new bail application, arguing that his deteriorating health necessitates immediate medical attention. They cited the prison conditions at Kuje prison as a significant factor in his declining health and noted that these conditions have also hindered his ability to prepare for trial. However, EFCC countered these claims, arguing that Gambaryan's health issues were being exaggerated. The prosecution stated that he has access to quality medical care whenever required, along with U.S. consular services. Yet, observed court actions and withheld medical records tell a different story.
Medical Concerns and Missing Records
Gambaryan’s family and legal team have raised concerns about the adequacy of the medical care provided to him in custody. According to a family spokesperson, key parts of Gambaryan’s medical records, including an MRI scan, were withheld from the court during the bail hearing. Available records reportedly indicate the need for immediate surgery, yet prison authorities refuse to acknowledge the severity of his condition. Yuki Gambaryan, his wife, issued a statement condemning the Nigerian government’s actions, revealing that her husband had been lured to Nigeria under false pretenses and has since been unlawfully detained.
The situation continues to draw public attention and will remain closely monitored, given the increasing concerns over detention conditions and the rights of the accused in such cases.
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