On July 16, Tigran Gambaryan, an executive from Binance Holdings Limited, made a dramatic entrance to the Federal High Court in Abuja, arriving in a wheelchair. Gambaryan and Binance are facing serious money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Despite arriving in a wheelchair, Gambaryan demonstrated his determination by standing up and walking slowly to the dock when his case was called. This moment highlighted the gravity of the charges he faces and the physical challenges he is dealing with.

The EFCC’s lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, informed the court that the commission’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, was not present to continue the trial. Ujam requested a postponement of the trial, which was not opposed by Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, or Binance’s lawyer, Babatunde Fagbohunlu (SAN). Justice Emeka Nwite agreed to delay the proceedings to allow the lead counsel to be present.

A significant aspect of this case involves Gambaryan’s health. On July 5, Justice Nwite ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to submit Gambaryan’s medical certificate by July 16. This order came after Mordi, Gambaryan’s lawyer, requested the court to summon the medical doctor from Kuje Correctional Centre. Mordi claimed that the doctor had not provided Gambaryan’s medical report despite a previous court order.

What’s Next?

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will be on the EFCC’s case against Gambaryan and Binance, as well as the health and well-being of the detained executive. The next steps in this high-profile case will be closely watched by the INFOLAND.

Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.