Detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has taken legal action against the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he alleges as the “violation of his fundamental human rights.”
In a motion dated and filed March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan sought five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped lawful custody on March 22, initiated a separate suit before Justice Ekwo to enforce his rights.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in their suits marked: “FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24,” named the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively.
Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, in his application, sought a declaration that his “detention and seizure of his international travel passport” contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).
He argued that this act amounted to a “violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty” as guaranteed by the constitution.
He also requested an order directing the respondents to release him from custody and return his international travel passport immediately.
Furthermore, Gambaryan sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance.
He also demanded that the respondents issue a public apology to him and cover the costs of his legal action on a “full indemnity basis.”
In a supporting statement, he mentioned being an American citizen who visited Nigeria on February 26, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria at the invitation of ONSA and EFCC.
He argued that he and his colleague attended the meeting dutifully and were detained afterward without being informed of any offense they personally committed.
During the court proceedings on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, appeared for Anjarwalla and Gambaryan.
Krukrubo informed the court that although the respondents were served two days ago, they were not represented in court.
He also mentioned the withdrawal of their legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26, without providing details for the withdrawal.
Justice Ekwo noted the withdrawal of legal representation, stating that the applicant needed to seek new legal representation, and adjourned the matter to allow the respondents an opportunity to appear in court.
