Some personnels, including the US Ambassador to Nigeria, have reportedly rallied behind Behind to request for the release of Gambaryan.
Tigran’s detention has become a major point of conflict as the U.S. diplomats, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills quietly urged the Nigerian government to release Tigran.
In September 2024, Ambassador Mills met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet to discuss Gambaryan’s release. However, Nigeria’s Attorney General insisted that Gambaryan would only be released after he stands a trial in court.
Tigran Gambaryan is a U.S. citizen, former Internal Revenue Service agent, and a Binance cryptocurrency exchange executive.
Efforts Made Towards Tigran’s Release
In an effort to escalate the matter, Gambaryan’s attorneys have urged the U.S. State Department to tag him as “wrongfully detained,” a label that could increase the pressure already mounted on the Nigerian government to release him. The State Department is considering this move, acknowledging that it is not out of the question. Several U.S. lawmakers have also backed the proposal.
In July 2024, Rep. Rich McCormick introduced a resolution to Congress accusing Nigeria of holding Gambaryan without cause and attempting to extort money from Binance, noting the situation as a “hostage” scenario.
Tigran Gambaryan’s Deteriorating Health
U.S. diplomats have also called for Gambaryan’s release on humanitarian grounds, expressing concern over his deteriorating health. According to reports, Gambaryan has suffered from serious medical conditions, including throat infections, malaria, pneumonia, and a herniated disc requiring surgery.
On September 2, Gambaryan’s lawyers filed a new bail request, arguing that he needed immediate medical attention. Nigerian officials have faced criticism for neglecting his medical needs, with the situation reaching a new peak in July when an arrest warrant was issued for Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, after he failed to provide a mandatory medical report for Gambaryan.
This ongoing case highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria over legal matters and the broader implications of cryptocurrency regulation.
