Ruling on Binance exec Tigran Gambaryan’s bail delayed due to judge’s absence

His initial bail application was denied in May, leading to concerns over his condition after he collapsed in court.

Key Takeaways

• Tigran Gambaryan's bail ruling was postponed due to the absence of Justice Emeka Nwite.
• Gambaryan faces health issues while detained, complicating his legal battle.

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The ruling on Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan’s bail application was postponed today at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, was absent due to a seminar at the National Judicial Institute. The decision, originally scheduled for October 9, has now been rescheduled for October 11.

Gambaryan, the former IRS agent responsible for seizing 69,370 bitcoins from the notorious Silk Road dark-web market, has been in Nigerian custody since April. After leaving the IRS in 2021, Gambaryan joined Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, as head of financial compliance. 

His role at Binance came under scrutiny when the Nigerian government accused the company of money laundering, tax evasion, and operating without proper licensing. 

Alongside these allegations, the Nigerian authorities have linked Gambaryan to the alleged concealment of $35.4 million in unlawful financial proceeds.

Gambaryan’s health remains a central issue in the ongoing legal proceedings. His defense team has argued that he requires specialized surgery for a herniated disc, a procedure that cannot be adequately addressed in Nigeria. 

His lawyer, Mark Mordi, has insisted that the prison lacks the necessary medical facilities, urging the court to grant bail so that Gambaryan can receive appropriate medical care.

In contrast, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has argued that Gambaryan has been receiving proper medical attention, having been taken to several hospitals, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital. The EFCC claims that Gambaryan has resisted medical treatment at times, further complicating his case.

The Nigerian government, citing medical reports from the Nigerian Correctional Service, claims Gambaryan’s condition is stable, but his legal team argues it is worsening and that he cannot receive necessary surgery in custody. As his case gains international attention, with US lawmakers calling for his release, his future remains uncertain ahead of the court’s bail ruling later this week.

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