Nigerian Court Rejects Binance Executive’s Human Rights Lawsuit
A Nigerian court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla on June 19, after tax charges against him were dropped but he remained in detention. Judge Inyang Ekwo rejected Anjarwalla’s claim of lack of “diligent prosecution,” as reported by Punch News on June 20.
Anjarwalla, who did not have legal representation during the hearing, along with regional manager Tigran Gambaryan, faced trouble with Nigerian authorities in February for allegedly violating anti-money laundering laws. Anjarwalla managed to evade capture in March despite Nigeria’s collaboration with INTERPOL to recapture him.
While the tax charges by the Federal Inland Revenue Service were dropped on June 14, charges by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the crypto executives still stand. Gambaryan remains imprisoned, with reports of deteriorating health and pleas from loved ones for his release due to poor conditions in the detention facility.
Concerns over Gambaryan’s health escalated after he collapsed in court on May 23 with Malaria and developed pneumonia. Despite a court order for immediate hospitalization, the prison authorities delayed his check-up for 11 days and are withholding the results from his family, lawyers, and the US embassy.
In a recent statement, Gambaryan’s family highlighted the dire situation and lack of transparency regarding his health. Members of Congress have urged US President Joe Biden to demand Gambaryan’s safe return, citing concerns over his treatment and restricted access to legal counsel.
