Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday denied a fresh bail application filed on behalf of Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings, who is currently facing charges of money laundering amounting to $35.4 million.
According to The PUNCH, Gambaryan’s legal counsel, Mark Mordi, had argued that his client’s health was in critical condition, requiring immediate surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care for severe depression and anxiety.
Mordi requested a six-week bail period to allow Gambaryan to receive proper medical treatment outside of detention, citing the inadequacy of care in prison facilities.
However, Ekele Iheanacho, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, opposed the bail application, describing the defense’s claims as exaggerated.
He argued that Gambaryan’s health issues could be adequately managed at the Kuje Correctional Facility, where he is currently held.
Iheanacho further noted that Gambaryan had already received treatment at reputable medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital.
“A medical report from the State House Clinic indicates that he refused medication and treatment,” Iheanacho said, adding that the comprehensive care provided at Nizamiye Hospital showed no significant deterioration in Gambaryan’s condition.
He maintained that the Nigerian Correctional Service had been managing the defendant’s health appropriately, stating, “Experts have been engaged, and the NCS is taking care of him. The results so far show no serious illness.”
In his ruling, Justice Nwite rejected the bail request, stating, “Renowned Nigerian medical experts are already managing the second defendant’s health.”
However, the judge directed the NCS to transfer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment, under security supervision, for a period ranging from three days to two weeks.
The case was adjourned to October 18, November 22, and November 25, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
