Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, facing money laundering charges in Nigeria, made a fresh bail request on medical grounds during his court appearance on Sept. 2, according to a family statement shared with CryptoSlate.
Gambaryan’s legal team cited his deteriorating health in prison as the basis for the application. They reported that his condition has worsened to the point where they cannot meet with him to prepare adequately for the trial.
The legal team expressed deep concern about Gambaryan’s health issues, which include a herniated disc, bouts of pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.
Appearing in court with crutches, Gambaryan informed the judge that prison officials had denied him a wheelchair. He also pleaded with the judge, stating that he is not receiving proper medical care in prison and is being denied basic rights, including access to legal counsel and embassy representatives.
The judge has now ordered that Gambaryan be allowed to use a wheelchair, with the case set to continue on Sept. 4.
Notably, the court had previously denied Gambaryan’s first bail request in May.
Nigerian authorities’ response
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) countered the claims made by Gambaryan and his legal team, stating that his health issues are “not as serious” as presented.
The EFCC reportedly noted that Gambaryan has had a herniated disc for more than a decade.
Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, expressed deep concern over the Nigerian authorities’ statements dismissing her husband’s health problems.
She said:
“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.”
