The Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is being detained by the Nigerian government, has accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission of violating his basic human rights.
Gambaryan filed a legal motion (FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24) claiming that his detention and confiscation of his international travel passport go against Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.
He is asking the court to demand that the NSA and the EFCC release him from custody and return his passport immediately.
Additionally, Gambaryan is requesting a permanent order preventing the respondents and their representatives from detaining him further in connection with any investigations or requests related to Binance.
He also requested the court mandate the respondents publicly apologize to him.
Gambaryan claimed that he was in Nigeria with Nadeem Anjarwalla, who fled, to attend a meeting with the ONSA and EFCC regarding Binance in Nigeria.
Anjarwalla managed to escape from the guest house where they were staying.
Gambaryan maintained that he did not commit any wrongdoing during the meeting and was never formally notified of any offense he may have committed in Nigeria or elsewhere.
“The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company,” he added.
The Anjarwalla, who has fled Nigeria, also filed a similar lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.
During the proceedings on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) represented the plaintiffs, while the respondents did not have any legal representation.
Krukrubo informed the court that the respondents were served with the lawsuit two days prior.
Shortly after, he announced to the court that he was withdrawing as counsel for the fleeing Anjarwalla, without providing any reasons for his decision.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the case until April 8th.