Binance executive sues EFCC over unfair detention

March 2024, Tigran Gambaryan, Binance's Head of Financial Crime Compliance, filed a lawsuit against Nigeria's National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of his fundamental human rights. aryan, a U.S. citizen, claimed that his detention and the seizure of his international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty. Heght immediate release, the return of his passport, a public apology, and an injunction to prevent further detention related to Binance's operations. (Chnel TV)

Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance's Africa Regional Manager, had ved Nigeria in February 2024 to discuss issuelated to Binance with the NSA and EFCC. Following these meetings, botwere detained. Anjaaa later escaped custody on March 22, 2024, and fled to Kenya. (Punch Newspapers)

In June 2024, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Anjarwalls fundamental righteorcement suit against the NSA and EFCe to lack of diligent prosecution, as neither Anjarwalla nor his legal representatives appeared in court. (Econoand Financial Crimes Commission)

Gambaas case proceeded separately. His counsel, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN), filed a motion to amend the originating process, which was granted by the court. However, the court imposed a fine of N50,000 on Gambaryan, payable to the EFCC, for procedural issues. The heariof Gambaryan's suit was adjourned to July 9, 2024. (Punch Newspapers)

These legal actions highlight the ongoing tensions between cryptocurrency platforms like Binance and regulatory authorities in Nigeria, focusing on issues of compliance, regulatory oversight, and the rights of foreign nationals operating within the country.