Courtroom Drama Over Detained Binance Executive Gambaryan’s Absence

Courtroom Drama Over Detained Binance Executive Gambaryan’s Absence

A mild drama unfolded at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday when Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance Holdings Limited, was notably absent from his trial.

Justice Emeka Nwite had scheduled the continuation of the trial for October 18, following the rejection of Gambaryan’s second bail application on October 11. The trial concerns allegations of money laundering against Binance Ltd and its country representative, Gambaryan, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

As the proceedings began, all legal representatives were present except for Gambaryan. When the judge inquired about his absence, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, expressed uncertainty regarding his client’s whereabouts. Similarly, EFCC lawyer Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, voiced surprise over Gambaryan’s nonappearance.

Iheanacho requested a brief recess to investigate the situation with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). Tonye Krukrubo, SAN, counsel for Binance, also raised concerns, questioning how the EFCC could not account for Gambaryan since he was in their custody. The judge pressed for answers, asking a NCoS officer present in court why Gambaryan was not produced. The officer confirmed that Gambaryan was in their custody but could not explain his absence.

Justice Nwite directed the officer to contact the person in charge of the Kuje Correctional Centre to clarify the situation, expressing the court’s concern over Gambaryan’s whereabouts. After a recess, the NCoS officer reported back, stating that Gambaryan was unwell, which accounted for his absence from court.

Mordi then requested an adjournment, seeking a date the following week to update the court on Gambaryan’s health status and ensure he receives necessary medical care. Iheanacho supported the request, acknowledging their concern for the defendant’s health, despite their witness being present in court.

The judge agreed to adjourn the case until October 25 to allow for a health report on Gambaryan.