Yuki Gambaryan, the wife of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, has issued a fervent plea to the American government for assistance in securing the release of her husband, who is currently held in custody in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, Mrs. Gambaryan criticised the Nigerian authorities for detaining her husband, labelling him a scapegoat amidst mounting pressures faced by the government.
Expressing dismay over the rejection of her husband’s request to transfer from Kuje prison to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Mrs. Gambaryan highlighted the deteriorating conditions of his detention, emphasising his innocence.
“He is clearly a scapegoat for whatever problems they are facing, and it is beyond unacceptable that this is how they are treating a completely innocent man,” Mrs. Gambaryan stated.
In a stark warning to international businesses, Mrs. Gambaryan urged caution when operating in Nigeria, citing the potential risk of employees being unjustly detained by the government.
“I am begging the American government to do anything to get Tigran out, and I am imploring the Nigerian government to realise that they are holding a completely innocent man,” she pleaded.
Mr. Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen heading Binance’s financial crime compliance department, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of money laundering on Monday. However, the court’s decision means he will remain in Kuje Prisons until his trial resumes on May 2.
Recent revelations from Binance disclosed that Mr. Gambaryan had provided training to 70 officials from the Economic Financial Crimes Commission and assisted in the recovery of $400,000 for Nigeria.
However, he was reportedly apprehended by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu during an official visit, alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager. Anjarwalla managed to escape lawful custody on March 22 and departed the country.
