Binance Holdings Limited on Tuesday expressed its readiness to “settle any alleged past issue” with the Nigerian Government.
The cryptocurrency trading platform urged the Nigerian Government to release its detained executive, Tigran Gambaryan. On Monday, Gambaryan was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of alleged money laundering.
During the court appearance, Gambaryan, who was visibly in pain and distressed, was denied a wheelchair and had to enter the courtroom on crutches. His lawyers filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing restricted access to him for trial preparation. However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the bail application.
Binance condemned the Nigerian Government’s decision to deny Gambaryan a wheelchair during Monday’s proceedings. In a statement, the company highlighted a video showing the mistreatment and pain Gambaryan is enduring. The judge ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair, with the bail hearing continuing on September 4th.
“We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This video is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality. His health is rapidly declining, and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention,” the statement read.
Binance further emphasized that Nigeria does not need to keep Gambaryan detained for the company to resolve any alleged past issues. The company called on the Nigerian Government to allow Gambaryan to return home and continue engaging in constructive dialogue.
“Our recent resolutions with Brazil and India demonstrate how historical issues can be resolved through constructive dialogue and adherence to legal standards. This is the international standard of doing business,” the company added.
