Binance Executive Takes Legal Action Against Nigerian Authorities for Rights Violations

In a bold move, Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has taken the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to court, alleging violations of his fundamental rights. The filing, dated March 18 and presented by Gambaryan's lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, seeks redress before Justice Inyang Ekwo, requesting five reliefs. This legal action comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions surrounding the cryptocurrency exchange platform in Nigeria.

Gambaryan, a US citizen responsible for overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, contends that his detention and the confiscation of his international travel passport violate Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, constituting a breach of his fundamental right to personal liberty. His plea to the court includes demands for his immediate release, the return of his passport, an injunction preventing further detention related to any Binance investigations, a public apology from the respondents, and reimbursement for incurred costs.

Joined by Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, Gambaryan filed separate suits before Justice Ekwo, marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 respectively, with the Office of the NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents.

The sequence of events leading to these legal actions is contentious. Gambaryan asserts that he and Anjarwalla visited Nigeria on February 26, responding to invitations from ONSA and EFCC. However, despite attending the meeting as requested, both were detained afterward without formal charges being laid against them.

During the court proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court of the respondents’ absence despite being served. Krukrubo also mentioned their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26.

Justice Ekwo acknowledged the withdrawal of legal representation and adjourned the matter to April 8, allowing the applicants to seek new representation and giving the respondents an opportunity to appear.

In Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo stated that although the processes were served on ONSA and EFCC, they still had time to respond. He requested an adjournment, indicating that the respondents’ deadline to file their applications would expire the following week.

As a result, Justice Ekwo scheduled the next hearing for April 8 to continue proceedings.

The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications not only for Gambaryan and Anjarwalla but also for Binance's operations in Nigeria and the broader cryptocurrency landscape in the country. The pursuit of justice in this case underscores the importance of upholding fundamental rights, especially in the rapidly evolving digital financial ecosystem.