In a statement sent to Nairametrics on August 26, 2024, the family renewed their plea for his release on health grounds, emphasizing that Gambaryan has been in detention for six months without receiving “appropriate medical care.”
Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and head of financial crime compliance at Binance, has been suffering from intense pain caused by a herniated disc, a condition that has left him bedridden. His family alleges that despite his dire health situation, he has been denied access to a wheelchair and proper medical treatment while in Nigerian custody.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Binance and its executives, including Gambaryan and the now-fugitive Nadeem Anjarwalla, with conspiring to launder $35.4 million in financial proceeds derived from illegal activities in Nigeria. On July 30, 2024, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Dr. Abraham Ehizojie, a medical officer at the Kuje Correctional Centre, for failing to produce Gambaryan’s medical report or appear in court as ordered.
Justice Nwite had previously directed the Nigerian Correctional Service to provide Gambaryan’s medical reports and warned against non-compliance. The court also ordered that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for a 24-hour medical evaluation under full security. The case has been adjourned to October 11, 2024, for further proceedings.
In their statement, the family’s communication agency, Mondo-Advisory, detailed the challenges they have faced in trying to access Gambaryan in detention. From July 26 to August 14, 2024, his lawyers were reportedly barred from visiting him to prepare for his trial, a situation that the family claims violates Nigerian constitutional rights.
The statement also highlighted the deteriorating condition of Gambaryan, who, according to the prison doctor, is now forced to take blood thinners to prevent clots due to muscle atrophy. The U.S. Embassy has also been denied access to him, as Gambaryan is reportedly unable to walk to the visitor area without a wheelchair.
