A group of U.S. lawmakers is urging President Joe Biden to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria for nearly three months. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen and head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been held in Abuja since April.
Sixteen Republican congressmen, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, have sent a letter to Biden. They request the case be referred to the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. The lawmakers want Gambaryan’s situation treated as a hostage case, emphasizing the urgent need for his safe return to the U.S.
Gambaryan, along with another Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, was detained by Nigerian authorities following an invitation to resolve a dispute with the crypto exchange. While Anjarwalla managed to escape, Gambaryan remains in custody. He faces charges of money laundering and tax evasion.
In May, Gambaryan collapsed during a trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. His attorney, Mark Mordi, stated that Gambaryan has been unwell, filing a written application to the court about his condition. Mordi requested an adjournment for proper medical attention, as continuing the trial under the circumstances was impossible.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who denied Gambaryan’s bail application on May 16, citing concerns that he might flee, has scheduled the next hearing for June 20 and 21. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) provided evidence suggesting Gambaryan could abscond if released on bail.
The situation has garnered international attention, with U.S. lawmakers expressing fear for Gambaryan’s life. They stress the importance of immediate action to ensure his safety. “Immediate action is essential to ensure his safety and preserve his life. We must act swiftly before it is too late,” the lawmakers stated in their letter.
The case also highlights the ongoing issues between Nigeria and international businesses operating within its borders. The detention of high-profile executives like Gambaryan underscores the complexities and challenges foreign companies face in Nigeria.
In a related development, the Nigerian Senate approved a bill to increase salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders by 300%. The move aims to address long-standing issues within the judiciary and improve the working conditions of judges. This decision followed the adoption of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) announced a partnership with the Non-Governmental Organization Partnership for Learning for All in Nigerian Education (PLANE). The partnership aims to strengthen the association’s capacity to provide quality education for all.
In Abuja, an incident at Aces Nursery, Primary, and Secondary School drew attention when an enraged father assaulted a teacher and a nursing mother over the discipline of his child. The school proprietor condemned the father’s actions and called for better conflict resolution measures.
The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of mass killings in southeastern Nigeria, as claimed by Simon Ekpa, a leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). The Army’s denial comes amid heightened tensions in the region.
Prominent journalist Dapo Olorunyomi, editor-in-chief of Premium Times, emphasized the importance of data literacy in modern journalism. Speaking in Abuja, Olorunyomi highlighted the role of data in providing analysis, insights, and visualization, distinguishing between organic data and data used for in-depth reporting.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos granted an interim forfeiture order for properties valued at N11.14 billion linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele. This follows a motion filed by government counsel seeking the forfeiture of the properties pending the conclusion of an investigation.
In Lagos, preparations for the commissioning of the Egan-Igando Mixed Housing Estate are underway. This follows Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to complete ongoing housing projects in the state.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) released a standardized version of Nigeria’s reintroduced national anthem, originally composed by British expatriate Lillian Jean Williams. President Bola Tinubu recently signed a bill to revert to the old anthem, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State plans to sue the state government for alleged demolition and destruction of properties and sources of livelihood. The party also accuses the government of extortion through multiple taxes. The APC’s state chairman, Chief Ugochukwu Agballah, made these allegations, promising legal action against the government.
Source: The Guardian
