Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the latest bail application for detained Binance Holdings Executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is facing $35.4 million money laundering charges.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), argued during a previous hearing on September 4 that his client’s health was in critical condition, requiring surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric treatment for depression and anxiety. Mordi requested a six-week bail to allow Gambaryan to seek proper medical attention outside the prison system, citing inadequate healthcare in custody.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, countered the claims, arguing that Gambaryan’s condition was exaggerated. Iheanacho noted that the defendant had been taken to leading medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, where comprehensive care had been provided. He also pointed out that Gambaryan refused medication and treatment at the State House Clinic.
Iheanacho further emphasized that Gambaryan’s health could be managed by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) and that expert medical personnel were already attending to him. “There has been no evidence that his condition has worsened or that the NCS cannot provide the required care,” he stated.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite rejected the bail application on medical grounds, stating that Gambaryan’s health was already being managed by “renowned Nigerian medical experts.” Nevertheless, the judge ordered that Gambaryan be referred to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for a period ranging from three days to two weeks under security supervision.
The case has been adjourned until October 18, 2024, with further hearings scheduled for November 22 and 25, 2024, to continue the trial proceedings.
