Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen, has been unlawfully detained by Nigerian authorities for 200 days. His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has released a statement highlighting the inhumane conditions he has been subjected to, including denied access to his lawyers and withholding medical treatment. The Nigerian government claims he is in good health, but his condition is rapidly deteriorating. Gambaryan urges President Tinubu to order his immediate and unconditional release, and the U.S. Government to recognize that he is being unlawfully detained and take immediate action against the Nigerian government unless they release him. The situation is both disgraceful and urgent, and Gambaryan calls for immediate action against the Nigerian government.

On February 26, 2024, Tigran was forced to give his passport to Nigerian officials. His untreated herniated disc and spinal damage have caused such excruciating pain that he is unable to walk while in jail. In addition, the jail is refusing to offer him a wheelchair. Additionally, Tigran has been informed that his muscles have atrophied due to his bed rest and that he needs to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Without providing a reason, Tigran’s legal team was refused access to see him in prison from July 26 to August 14. This denial of access goes against both the prison’s and Nigeria’s regulations. The Nigerian constitution (Chapter 4, section 36, subsection 6b) states that the group was only allowed a 5-minute meeting with him, which is insufficient time to prepare for his trial. This was made public after the group was informed that they had been denied access. They have since been turned away once more.

Tigran is no longer able to utilize a wheelchair and is unable to go to the guest area, thus the US Embassy no longer has access to him.

Tigran has additionally experienced double pneumonia and malaria since being incarcerated. He has been informed that he requires surgery to remove his tonsils because he now has severe tonsillitis.

Tigran was summoned to a conference in Nigeria by the Nigerian government. he was promised that he would be secure. But during the meeting, his passport was confiscated, and he was forced to pack his hotel belongings before being brought to a “guest house.”

Tigran was staying at the guest house voluntarily, the Nigerian authorities informed the US Embassy after he was taken into custody.

Before two sets of charges were issued against Tigran, he was detained in this guest house for over a month. After that, Binance and Tigran were transferred to the notorious Kuje prison.

Tigran is being charged because “the first defendant (Binance) is operating virtually,” according to the Nigerian EFCC prosecutor. We merely need to cling to this accused person.

On June 14th, Tigran had his tax evasion charges against him withdrawn by the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service. The FIRS decided to change their fees so that they could only be served on Binance by a local agent.

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission began trial for the second set of charges on May 17, with Binance proposing to name a local representative. Cross-examination of witnesses began, but the court went on recess until October. An application to hear the case was granted, and a hearing was held on September 2. Tigran’s lawyers applied for bail due to his declining health, but the judge set the ruling for October 9th. Tigran has missed numerous milestones, including his son’s 5th birthday, first day of school, and his own 40th birthday, as well as his wife’s birthday and their 15th wedding anniversary.