A top executive of the global cryptocurrency exchange Binance has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing them of violating his fundamental human rights by detaining him unlawfully.
Tigran Gambaryan, who serves as Binance’s regional manager, alleges that the seizure of his travel documents and detention by Nigerian authorities contravened Section 35 of the country’s constitution, which safeguards the freedom of movement for all persons.
The incident unfolded when Gambaryan and his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, traveled to Nigeria to resolve a dispute after the government restricted users’ access to the Binance website. Upon arrival, both executives were detained by the office of the NSA without any criminal charges filed against them.
While Anjarwalla managed to flee the country using a smuggled passport after more than two weeks in detention, Gambaryan remains in custody. In his lawsuit, the former U.S. federal agent is seeking immediate release from detention, the return of his travel documents, and a public apology from the NSA.
“Gambaryan averred that he was in Nigeria alongside fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla to honour the invitation of the NSA and EFCC to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria,” the court documents state. “He argued that he did not commit any offence during the meeting, and neither was he informed in writing of any offence he personally committed in Nigeria at any other time.”
The lawsuit aims to halt Gambaryan’s detention for investigations related to Binance’s operations in the country. It also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining the NSA and EFCC from further detaining him in connection with any demands or probes involving the cryptocurrency exchange.
Notably, Anjarwalla had also filed similar charges against the Nigerian security agencies, but his lawyers have withdrawn from the case, leaving him without legal representation for the time being.
The case has garnered significant attention as it highlights the ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and the cryptocurrency industry globally. Binance, one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, has faced scrutiny from various governments over concerns related to consumer protection and anti-money laundering measures.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, has adjourned Gambaryan’s case until April 8, 2024, when the court is expected to hear arguments and potentially rule on the matter.
As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, this legal battle in Nigeria underscores the need for clear regulations and safeguards to protect the rights of individuals and businesses operating in the digital asset space.