The Federal Government has rebutted assertions made by United States lawmakers regarding the health conditions of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive from Binance, who is currently held in Nigerian custody on charges related to tax evasion and financial crimes.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as unfounded and without merit.
He emphasized that Gambaryan’s detention is lawful and conducted in accordance with court orders.
Furthermore, Idris underscored that Gambaryan is receiving appropriate medical care and is benefiting from consular services provided by his home country during his detainment in Nigeria.
“It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan is being held in unsavoury prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating.
“We would like to state that these allegations are false and should be ignored. Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required.
“He also has full access to consular services from his home government,” Idris stated.
The government emphasized its commitment to due process, stating that any modifications to Gambaryan’s detention status must be adjudicated through legal channels.
“The Federal Government will not do anything to jeopardise his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release,” the minister stated.
Idris reiterated that Nigeria’s actions regarding Binance are in line with international norms and the sovereign responsibilities exercised by other nations.
This stance contradicted allegations of poor detention conditions and declining health concerning Tigran Gambaryan.
Earlier, US lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan had advocated for the humanitarian release of Gambaryan. Their appeal came after visiting Gambaryan at Kuje prison on Wednesday, where they expressed concern about his worsening health and the conditions of his confinement.
The lawmakers asserted that Gambaryan was suffering from malaria and double pneumonia, and they criticized what they perceived as inadequate medical attention being provided to him.
They underscored the urgency of their request, describing the prison conditions as “horrible.”