Richard Teng, a senior executive at Binance, has publicly condemned the Nigerian government over what he describes as the “inhumane treatment” of Tigran Gambaryan, the company’s Head of Crime Compliance.
Gambaryan has been detained in Nigeria for the past six months, and recent developments have sparked outrage over his deteriorating health and alleged mistreatment.
Teng’s statement follows the release of a troubling video showing Gambaryan in visible distress while being escorted into a Nigerian court.
The footage, which has since gone viral, depicts Gambaryan arriving at the court on crutches, struggling to walk and pleading with guards for a wheelchair.
Despite his requests, the officers reportedly denied him the use of the assistive equipment, forcing him to continue on a single crutch.
“This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end,” Teng stated emphatically.
He called for Gambaryan to be allowed to return home for urgent medical treatment and to reunite with his family.
The situation has intensified calls for Gambaryan’s immediate release as concerns grow about his worsening health.
Gambaryan, who has been in detention since March 2024, is reported to be suffering from a range of severe health issues, including a herniated disc, pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.
His condition has reportedly worsened due to inadequate medical care and harsh conditions at Kuje Prison. His legal team argues that the issues have hindered their ability to prepare a defence for him.
During his court appearance on September 2, 2024, Gambaryan was reportedly in significant pain, at one point breaking down in tears.
His legal representatives have filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health and the difficulties they face in accessing their client.
However, the new bail application is being contested by prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who claim that Gambaryan has refused medical care and that his condition is not as serious as his advocates assert.
Despite the claims, parts of his medical records suggest that he urgently requires surgery for his herniated disc, though some critical details are reportedly missing.
In a previous lawsuit filed earlier this year, Gambaryan accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the EFCC of violating his human rights, particularly in terms of inadequate medical care and restricted access to legal and embassy representatives.
The court has ordered that Gambaryan be provided with a wheelchair, a decision that will be reviewed further when the trial resumes on Wednesday.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has been vocal about her husband’s mistreatment, accusing the Nigerian government of unlawful detention and neglect.
She has also called on U.S. authorities to take stronger action, criticizing them for downplaying her spouse’s health issues and withholding vital medical records.
As the situation unfolds, there is growing international pressure on the Nigerian government to address these concerns and ensure that Gambaryan receives the necessary medical care.
