Abuja Court Dismisses Ex-Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Unlawful Detention Suit
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by former Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The suit alleged unlawful and prolonged detention in Nigeria.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Umar Mohammed ruled that the court would not “interfere” with the prosecutorial duties of Nigerian authorities.
Background of the Suit
Gambaryan had filed the suit under claims of fundamental rights violations, seeking compensation and an apology from the NSA and EFCC for his detention. The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CS/356/2024, was initially presented by his lawyers, Tonye Krukrubo (SAN) and Sunday Agaji, in June 2024.
Justice Mohammed noted that Nigerian security agencies are constitutionally empowered to investigate foreign exchange violations and alleged money laundering linked to the Binance platform. The court added that Gambaryan provided no evidence suggesting he had immunity from prosecution in Nigeria or under Nigerian law.
EFCC’s Position
During proceedings, EFCC counsel Olanrewaju Adeola stated that Gambaryan’s detention was lawful due to charges involving money laundering and foreign exchange violations. He described the suit as “a gross abuse of court processes.”
The court upheld EFCC’s position, dismissing Gambaryan’s claims.
Context: Binance and Nigerian Authorities
Following a sudden crash of the Nigerian currency in May 2023, the federal government accused Binance of involvement in destabilising the naira. Both EFCC and FIRS filed lawsuits against Binance over tax evasion, money laundering, and forex violations.
Gambaryan was detained at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, in April 2024. Another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, was held alongside him but later escaped detention. Gambaryan was released in October 2024 due to deteriorating health and diplomatic interventions.
Allegations and Government Response
Gambaryan had claimed that Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency for his release. The government, through Information Minister Mohammed Idris, denied these allegations, calling them “outrageous” and part of a “misinformation campaign.” Idris confirmed that Binance offered a $5 million down payment, which was rejected.
Binance expressed relief at Gambaryan’s release and reiterated its commitment to regulatory compliance. Gambaryan later left the company in June 2025, ending a turbulent chapter for both him and Binance.
Conclusion
The dismissal of Tigran Gambaryan’s suit underscores Nigeria’s legal stance that prosecutorial actions in cases involving financial crimes are constitutionally protected. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of cryptocurrency platforms and the Nigerian government’s focus on enforcing compliance and anti-money laundering measures.
