A disturbing video has just surfaced on the internet, exposing the inhumane situation and injustice Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan is facing in Nigeria. The video shows Tigran in a visibly frail condition, barely able to walk. Tigran was heard crying," Why couldn't I use a Goddamn wheelchair? This is a show. I'm a f-cking innocent person. Why are you doing this to me?"
Tigran Gambaryan, a former special agent with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, was detained along with his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla in Nigeria on charges of money laundering. While the Nigerian tax authority has dropped tax evasion charges, the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission continues to pursue the money laundering case.
A heartfelt plea from a mother
Knarik Gambaryan, the mother of Tigran Gambaryan, is pleading with the U.S. government to secure her son’s release. In an emotional interview with KMPH Fox 26 on September 18, the 75-year-old highlighted her son’s deteriorating health, urging U.S. officials to take swift action.
His mother, California resident, claims on top of being “wrongfully detained", her son is currently deprived of medical care that he so urgently needs for the severe health issues that he is suffering in prison right now. Tigran's mother is now desperate pleading for the U.S government to intervene and aid in the release of his son before it's too late.
Gambaryan mother's plea has caught the eye of several U.S. Lawmakers, with many such as Representatives French Hill and Rich McCormick speaking out and advocating for his release.
In the video, we can hear Representative Hill saying,
"The response of the government is embarrassing in Nigeria and I think while our Ambassador is doing his best on the ground there, we need to press harder, we need the President engaged here."
Nigeria employs stalling tactic, prolonging Tigran's stay in prison
Despite these efforts, Nigerian officials continue to deliberately stall and delay Tigran's trial as his health continues to decline. His trial was first interrupted when the judiciary went on recess in July.
On September 2, 2024, a bail application hearing for Tigran was adjourned to September 4 by the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, who claimed that Tigran was not in ill health.
On September 10, Justice Nwite adjourned Tigran's trial until October 111, where his legal team is expected to push for bail or a possible release. However, it remains uncertain whether Gambaryan will be allowed to leave Nigeria, leaving his future and health in limbo.
With growing pressure on the U.S. authorities, the Gambaryan family remains hopeful that the government will step in and intervene before it’s too late.
Cheng Yuan
