In a Major Twist, Binance Executive Sues NSA, EFCC

Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, the cryptocurrency exchange being investigated by Nigeria has filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of fundamental human rights.

Gambaryan, represented by lawyer Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, filed the motion seeking relief before Justice Inyang Ekwo on March 18.

Additionally, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, who escaped custody on March 22, filed a separate suit before Justice Ekwo. Both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla have sued the Office of NSA and EFCC as respondents, seeking similar reliefs.

We were detained without formal charges, Binance execs allege

Messrs Gambaryan and Anjarwalla have filed lawsuits with the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24. The suits name the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the first and second respondents, respectively, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, contends that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport violate Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution. He asserts that his fundamental right to personal liberty has been infringed upon and demands immediate release and return of his passport.

Furthermore, Gambaryan seeks an injunction restraining the respondents from further detaining him in connection with any investigation into Binance. He also demands a public apology and full indemnity for the cost of the legal action.

In his supporting statement for the suit, Gambaryan mentioned that he visited Nigeria on February 26 alongside Anjarwalla to discuss Binance-related matters with ONSA and EFCC. Despite attending the meeting by invitation, they were subsequently detained without formal charges, they alleged in the court filings.

“The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company,” he said, clarifying that he was not a member of the Board of Directors of Binance.

During the court proceedings, Anjarwalla’s legal representation was withdrawn, possibly due to his escape from custody. Gambaryan’s counsel, T.j Krukrubo, informed the court that the respondents were served but not represented.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until April 8 to allow Gambaryan to seek legal representation and for the respondents to respond to the lawsuit. Krukrubo indicated that the respondents’ deadline to file applications would expire the following week, prompting the adjournment.