Binance Executive Sues Nigeria’s NSA Over Detention

Binance executives have filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser and the EFCC over prolonged detention.

By David Pokima

33 mins ago

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Detained Binance executives sued the Nigerian government.

Gambaryan asks the court for a release order amongst others.

The crypto community mounts pressure on the government.

Detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to reports for local media outlets, Gambaryan sued the NSA on March 28 for an alleged violation of his fundamental human rights seeking five major reliefs from the court. This comes on the back of the arrest and detention of two Binance executives by the Nigerian government.  

Represented by his lawyers in Aluko and Oyebode, he approached a Federal High Court in the nation’s capital seeking relief. Bothering on human rights, his lawyers argued the seizure of his international passport was against his constitutional and personal liberty.  

He urged the court to grant a return of his passport and immediate release from custody after over three weeks. Furthermore, he sought an injunction against future detention in similar investigations and a public apology from the NSA and EFCC. Finally, he asked the court for the cost of the action on full indemnity. 

Gambaryan Recounts Ordeal 

He noted that he is an American citizen who came to Nigeria with his colleague on Feb 26 following an invitation from the NSA and EFCC to discuss developing issues regarding Binance in the county.

The Nigerian government alleged that Binance P2P for the naira had an impact on the country’s local currency. This year, the naira was on a free fall losing significant value. The government also alleged three platform’s use in money laundering activities. In reaction, Binance sent executives to negotiate at the government’s request and delisted the NGN P2P options. 

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