The Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, under security detention has sued the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to court over violation of fundamental rights.
Gambaryan sought for five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo in a motion filed on 18th March, 2024 through his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm.
However, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance Africa regional manager who escaped from detention on March 22, also filed a separate right enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, had sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents, soughing for same relief.
Gambaryan, overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, stated that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport unconstitutional and seek for his passport release.
The US citizen equally sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance.
He stressed that he was not a member of the Board of Directors of Binance , but visited Nigeria on Feb. 26 February, along with Nadeem Anjarwalla, as a representative of Binance, to honour the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria.
Adding that after the meeting the two of them were detained by the respondents and had remained in detention since then without been informed in writing of any offence he personally committed in Nigeria at any other time.
T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan however, drew the attention of the court to their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla filed on March 26.
Although Krukrubo did not give details of why they were withdrawing their legal representation, this might not be unconnected to the disappearance of the applicant in custody.
Hence, the Judge adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention. Also, upon resumed hearing in Gambaryan’s suit, Krukrubo said though the processes had been served on ONSA and EFCC, they were still within time to respond.
He, therefore, sought an adjourned date, saying the respondent’s time to file their applications would expire next week Thursday.
Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention.