Detained Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan’s Bail Hearing Delayed as Nigerian Judge Attends Seminar

The bail hearing for Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria since February 2024, has been postponed after Judge Emeka Nwite allegedly failed to appear in court on October 9, opting instead to attend a seminar at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. Gambaryan’s hearing has now been rescheduled for Friday, October 11.

Gambaryan, Binance's compliance chief, has been imprisoned in Nigeria for over 200 days on charges of money laundering and tax evasion. His detention has sparked controversy, with many questioning the legitimacy of the charges and accusing Nigerian authorities of targeting the Binance executive amid broader tensions with the crypto exchange.

Concerns Over Health and Fair Treatment

Gambaryan has faced significant health challenges during his imprisonment at Kuje prison, including a herniated disc, which was visibly affecting his mobility during a recent court hearing. Footage from last month shows him crying out in pain, saying, “I’m not okay... I’m innocent—why are you doing this to me?”

In addition to his spinal injury, Gambaryan is reportedly suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, conditions that U.S. lawmakers French Hill (R-AR) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) confirmed after visiting him in June 2024. His deteriorating health has led to growing calls for his immediate humanitarian release.

“This entire situation is inhumane,” said Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, in a statement. She expressed frustration over the delays and lack of medical care, demanding accountability for the ongoing violation of her husband’s rights.

Related reading：Binance CEO Condemns ‘Inhumane’ Treatment of Executive After Disturbing Video Emerges

Allegations of Hostage Tactics

Crypto industry experts and former colleagues of Gambaryan, including Richard Weber, a former IRS special agent, have publicly criticized his detention. Weber stated on the Illicit Edge’s “Designated” podcast that Gambaryan is a “hostage” in a broader power struggle between Nigerian authorities and Binance.

“Tigran did nothing wrong,” Weber said. “He’s been in prison for over eight months, and no one knows what he’s being accused of. It seems even the Nigerian government is unclear.”

Growing Calls for Release

Calls for Gambaryan’s release are growing louder as concerns about his health and the fairness of his legal process mount. U.S. lawmakers and human rights advocates are pressuring the Nigerian government to address the situation urgently, calling for the charges to be dropped and for Gambaryan to be allowed to return to the United States.