Rita Odafe
A recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja permits Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance in Nigeria, to seek medical care at a reputable hospital in Abuja, under security oversight.
On Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite instructed the Nigerian Correctional Service to facilitate Gambaryan’s treatment in a standard hospital for a duration of three days to two weeks.
This order comes after a request for bail by Gambaryan, who faces money laundering allegations, was denied. The court previously rejected his initial bail request based on health concerns, which is currently under appeal.
Justice Nwite remarked that the latest bail request represented a misuse of court procedures, given the pending appeal regarding the previous denial.
Defense attorneys for Gambaryan argue for his release, emphasizing his declining health condition. They noted that he is suffering from a disk problem that necessitates immediate medical intervention, supported by medical documentation from the State House Annex Clinic in Asokoro, which suggested surgical treatment.
Conversely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) contested these assertions, asserting that Gambaryan could receive adequate medical care within Nigerian facilities. They provided a report from Nizamiye Hospital that contradicted claims from Gambaryan’s family that he has lost the ability to walk.
