Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has escalated the legal proceedings involving a Binance executive’s health concerns by issuing a bench warrant for Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This action comes after Dr. Ehizojie failed to comply with a court order to produce a medical report for Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained on charges related to financial crimes.
Failure to Comply with Court Orders
During a recent court session, it was revealed by Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, that the Nigerian Correctional Service had not adhered to the court’s previous directive to submit a medical report detailing Gambaryan’s health condition. Despite the delivery of the court’s order to Dr. Ehizojie, his absence in court was noted, which prompted further judicial action.
Expressing concern over the non-compliance, Justice Nwite took decisive measures:
- Issuance of Bench Warrant: A bench warrant was issued for the arrest of Dr. Ehizojie due to his failure to appear in court and produce the required medical documentation.
- Medical Examination Order: The court ordered that Gambaryan be transported to Nizamiye Hospital for a comprehensive 24-hour medical examination under strict security to assess his reported severe back pain and deteriorating health.
Legal and Health Concerns for the Binance Executive
Tigran Gambaryan’s health has reportedly been in decline, prompting urgent calls from his legal team for appropriate medical attention:
- Legal Representation’s Appeal: Mordi emphasized the critical nature of Gambaryan’s condition, highlighting the responsibility of the authorities to safeguard his wellbeing, particularly given his mobility issues and reliance on a wheelchair.
- Family’s Plea for Humanitarian Release: Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, issued a heartfelt plea for his release on humanitarian grounds, citing the dramatic impact of his detention on his health and their family’s distress over his suffering.
Charges and Legal Challenges Facing Binance
Gambaryan, along with Binance and another executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, face serious accusations from the Nigerian government:
- Money Laundering and FX Violations: They are charged with conspiring to conceal approximately $35.4 million, alleged to be proceeds from unlawful activities within Nigeria.
- Tax Evasion Allegations: In a separate legal battle, Binance is contending with accusations from the Federal Inland Revenue Service regarding tax evasion, complicating the company’s operations and legal standing in Nigeria.
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| July 16 | Court Order Non-compliance | Failure to produce medical report for Gambaryan |
| July 16 | Issuance of Bench Warrant | Warrant issued for Dr. Ehizojie |
| July 16 | Ordered Medical Examination | Gambaryan to undergo checkup at Nizamiye Hospital |
| October 11 | Next Court Date | Scheduled continuation of the legal proceedings |
The unfolding legal drama highlights significant issues within the Nigerian judicial and correctional systems, particularly concerning the treatment and rights of detained individuals facing serious charges. As the court proceedings progress, all eyes will be on the outcomes of the medical assessments and the potential implications for Gambaryan’s ongoing detention and the broader legal challenges facing Binance and its executives. The case also raises important questions about the balance between legal enforcement and humanitarian considerations in high-stakes financial crime cases.
