Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, has urgently appealed to the Federal Government for her husband’s release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health.
In a statement issued through Gambaryan’s spokesperson, Monique Thompson, on Monday, Yuki described her husband’s severe medical issues, including a herniated disc that necessitates “highly specialized and risky surgery.” She noted that his condition has worsened since he collapsed in court on May 23, 2024, and despite numerous legal requests, essential medical care and records have not been provided.
Gambaryan’s legal team raised alarms on May 27, warning that his life was in jeopardy if he remained in Kuje prison without adequate medical care. Lawyer Mark Mordi urged the court to address the prison officials’ alleged refusal to release Gambaryan’s medical reports, as ordered previously.
On July 5, a judge instructed the prison management to release the medical certificate by July 16, but this order was not followed. During a hearing on July 16, Judge Emeke Nwite ordered Gambaryan’s transfer to Nizamiye Hospital for medical treatment under strict security. However, since July 26, Yuki reported that her husband’s legal team has been denied access to him at Kuje prison, contravening both the Nigerian constitution and prison regulations which guarantee prisoners reasonable opportunities to communicate with legal advisers.
Yuki Gambaryan expressed distress over her husband’s worsening condition, noting that he has become wheelchair-bound due to untreated medical issues. She highlighted the emotional strain on their family, particularly their young son, who is struggling to understand his father’s prolonged absence.
In addition to the urgent surgery needed for his herniated disc, Yuki mentioned that an ENT doctor had recently recommended surgery for recurring tonsil infections exacerbated by detention conditions.
The legal proceedings for Gambaryan continue, with court dates set for October 11 and 18. In the U.S., lawmakers have called for Tigran Gambaryan’s release, adding international pressure to the case.
Binance, which reportedly generated over $20 billion in Nigeria in 2023, has faced scrutiny for its lack of regulatory oversight and tax contributions in the country. Information Minister Mohammed Idris stated that Binance is not registered in Nigeria and operates without proper regulatory safeguards.
The Federal Government affirmed on July 21, 2024, that Gambaryan is receiving necessary medical care and consular services from his home country, maintaining adherence to legal protocols.