Tigran Gambaryan, the detained executive from Binance who recently escaped custody, has initiated legal proceedings against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging infringement of his fundamental rights.
In a motion filed on March 18 by his legal representative, Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan presented five requests before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped lawful custody on March 22, filed a separate lawsuit for the enforcement of his rights before Justice Ekwo.
Both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in their respective suits, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, named the Office of the NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as the primary and secondary respondents, seeking identical reliefs.
Gambaryan, a U.S. citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the cryptocurrency exchange, argued in his application for a declaration that his detention and confiscation of his international travel passport violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended), constituting a breach of his fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution.
He further requested an order for his release from custody and the immediate return of his international travel passport by the respondents.
Gambaryan also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in connection with any investigation or demands from Binance.
Additionally, he demanded a public apology from the respondents and full indemnity for the costs incurred in pursuing this legal action.
In a supporting statement, Gambaryan stated his status as an American citizen who visited Nigeria in February, accompanied by Nadeem Anjarwalla, to attend a meeting with the ONSA and EFCC regarding Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
He maintained that he and his colleague attended the meeting dutifully and were subsequently detained without any indication of personal wrongdoing.
During the court proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court of the respondents’ absence despite being served.
He also stated their withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26, which may be linked to Anjarwalla’s disappearance from custody.
Justice Ekwo acknowledged the withdrawal of legal representation and adjourned the matter to April 8 to allow the applicants to seek new legal representation and provide an opportunity for the respondents to appear in court.
Similarly, in Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo requested an adjournment to allow the respondents time to respond to the filed processes, leading to a further adjournment to April 8 for mention.