On Friday, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja turned down the latest request for bail from the Binance Holdings Executive, Tigran Gambaryan.
Gambaryan’s attorney, Mark Mordi (SAN), had previously made the case that his client’s well-being was at risk.
The lawyer had explained that Gambaryan needed surgery for a slipped disc and mental health treatment for depression and anxiety.
Mordi asked for a six-week release for Gambaryan to get the necessary medical care outside the prison, pointing out the poor conditions of care within.
However, the lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho, disputed the defence’s allegations, claiming they were overblown.
He argued that Gambaryan could get the needed treatment at Kuje Correctional Facility, suggesting his condition was not severe enough to justify bail.
Iheanacho highlighted that Gambaryan had been seen at prestigious medical facilities, such as the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, and that a medical report from the State House Clinic showed Gambaryan had declined medication and treatment.
He also mentioned that records from Nizamiye Hospital indicated Gambaryan received thorough care and showed no signs of worsening health.
Iheanacho emphasized that it had not been proven that the Nigerian Correctional Service could not manage Gambaryan’s health.
He stated, “Experts have been engaged, and the NCS is taking care of him. The results so far show no serious illness. Complaints have been sent to the National Security Adviser.”
In his verdict regarding the bail application based on medical reasons, Justice Nwite declined the appeal, pointing out that “well-known Nigerian medical professionals are currently overseeing the health of the second defendant.”
Nonetheless, he directed the Nigerian Correctional Service to send Gambaryan to a reputable hospital in Abuja for care, ranging from three to fourteen days, under close security watch.
The case was then postponed until October 18, 2024, and November 22 and 25, 2024, for further proceedings in the trial.
Gambaryan is being charged with $35.4 million in money laundering offences by the EFCC.
