In the ongoing trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has raised serious concerns about the treatment of her husband during court proceedings in Abuja. Following today’s hearing, where Gambaryan was reportedly denied the use of a wheelchair and forced to use crutches despite being in visible pain, Yuki released a statement decrying the situation as unjust and inhumane.
Courtroom Incident and Legal Developments
During the hearing, Tigran Gambaryan, who has been detained in Nigeria on money laundering charges, allegedly broke down in tears due to the severe discomfort caused by his medical condition. His lawyers filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing restricted access to their client and the deterioration of his health. The bail application was opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, who argued that Gambaryan’s health is not as critical as claimed, despite partial medical records indicating the need for urgent surgery.
There are reports that essential parts of Gambaryan’s medical records, including an MRI scan, were missing from the documents submitted to the court. Contradictorily, the EFCC prosecution also claimed that Gambaryan is refusing treatment, a statement that further complicated the courtroom dynamics. The judge, however, did order that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair moving forward, addressing his immediate concerns.
SEE ALSO: EFCC Disputes Health Claims of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Amid Money Laundering Charges
Statement from Yuki Gambaryan
In her statement, Yuki Gambaryan condemned the Nigerian authorities’ handling of her husband’s case, accusing them of unlawfully detaining him and neglecting his medical needs. She called for stronger intervention from the U.S. government to secure Tigran’s release, emphasizing the severe risks to his health and well-being if he remains in detention without proper care.
“This situation is entirely unjust. My husband was unlawfully detained by the Nigerian government after being invited under false pretenses for a meeting in their country. During this prolonged imprisonment, his health continues to deteriorate, and now, he is in so much pain that he can barely walk. The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran. I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage,” Yuki stated.
She also expressed deep concern over the contradictory statements made by Nigerian authorities regarding her husband’s health, particularly the withholding and partial release of his medical records. “The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery. They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights,” she added.
Next Steps
The case is set to continue on September 4th, with further hearings on the bail application and the trial. As the situation develops, there is increasing scrutiny on the handling of Gambaryan’s detention, both from his legal team and international observers concerned about his health and rights.
The outcome of the next hearing will likely be pivotal in determining whether Gambaryan receives the medical care he requires and whether his detention conditions are addressed.