Binance Executive Initiates Legal Action Against NSA Ribadu and EFCC.
Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance, has taken legal steps against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging a violation of his fundamental rights.
Gambaryan, represented by lawyer Olujoke Aliyu of Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, filed the lawsuit on March 18 before Justice Inyang Ekwo, seeking five reliefs.
Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from custody, filed a separate suit before Justice Ekwo.
Both suits (marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24) named the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents, seeking identical reliefs.
Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at Binance, requested a declaration that his detention and confiscation of his passport violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.
He also sought an order for his immediate release and the return of his passport, along with an injunction against further detention related to any Binance investigation. Additionally, he demanded a public apology and full indemnity costs.
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In support of his suit, Gambaryan emphasized his lawful visit to Nigeria on February 26, representing Binance at the invitation of ONSA and EFCC. He detailed his detention without formal charges, attributing it solely to government requests for information from Binance.
During proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, appeared for both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla. Despite service of court documents to the respondents, their absence was noted.
Krukrubo highlighted the withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, signaling potential complications arising from his disappearance.
Justice Ekwo adjourned both cases until April 8 to allow Gambaryan to secure new legal representation and for the respondents to respond.
