Severe Health Issues in Detention

After being held for six months, Tigran Gambaryan is grappling with severe health issues. The inadequate medical care in detention has reportedly worsened his condition. Gambaryan, the Head of Crime Compliance at Binance, has been detained in Nigeria since March and is suffering from a herniated disc, pneumonia, malaria, and tonsillitis.

Public Condemnation by Richard Teng

Richard Teng has publicly condemned the Nigerian government. He describes the treatment of Gambaryan as 'inhumane.' Teng's statement came after a video surfaced showing Gambaryan in visible distress.

The video captures him arriving at a Nigerian court on crutches, struggling and pleading for a wheelchair. Despite his requests, the officers denied him the assistive equipment, forcing him to continue on a single crutch.

'This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end,' Teng stated, calling for Gambaryan to be allowed to return home for necessary medical treatment and to reunite with his family.

Intensified Calls for Release

The footage has intensified calls for Gambaryan's immediate release. Concerns about his deteriorating health are growing. During his court appearance on September 2, 2024, he was reportedly in significant pain and broke down in tears. His lawyers have filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health and the challenges in accessing their client.

Legal and Health Struggles

Prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are contesting the bail petition.

They claim Gambaryan has refused medical care and that his condition is not as severe as his advocates assert. Despite these claims, parts of his medical records suggest he urgently requires surgery for his herniated disc, though some critical details are reportedly missing.

Family's Plea for Action

Gambaryan's wife, Yuki, has been vocal about her husband's mistreatment. She accuses the Nigerian government of unlawful detention and neglect.

She has called on U.S. authorities to take more decisive action and criticized them for downplaying her spouse's health issues and withholding vital medical records.

The court has ordered that Gambaryan be provided with a wheelchair, and a decision will be reviewed when the trial resumes on Wednesday. However, his family remains deeply concerned.