Binance CEO Richard Teng condemns Nigeria for ‘inhumane treatment’ of jailed executive

Richard Teng has publicly condemned the Nigerian government for what he describes as the “inhumane treatment” of Tigran Gambaryan, the company’s head of crime compliance, who has been detained in the West African country for the past six months.

Teng’s statement comes in response to a recently released video showing Gambaryan in visible distress as he was escorted to a Nigerian court.

Leaked video shows Binance executive in danger

The footage depicts him arriving at court on crutches, visibly struggling and asking guards for a wheelchair. Despite his pleas, the officers apparently refused him the use of assistive equipment, forcing him to continue with only one crutch. The images have intensified calls for his immediate release as concerns grow over his deteriorating health.

“This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end,” Teng said, asking that Gambaryan be allowed to return home to receive necessary medical treatment and be reunited with his family.

The Binance executive, detained by authorities since March, has suffered serious health problems in Kuje prison, including a herniated disc, pneumonia, malaria and tonsillitis.

His condition has worsened due to inadequate medical care and harsh prison conditions, which his lawyers argue have hindered his ability to prepare a defense.

New bail application contested by the authorities

During her court appearance on September 2, 2024, she was reportedly in significant pain, and at one point broke down in tears. His legal representatives have filed a new bail application on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health and challenges in accessing their client.

The petition is currently being contested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutors, who claim that Gambaryan has refused medical attention and that his condition is not as serious as his defenders claim.

Despite these claims, parts of his medical records suggest he needs urgent surgery for his herniated disc, although some critical details are said to be missing.

In a previous lawsuit filed earlier this year, the Binance executive accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser and the EFCC of violating his human rights, citing inadequate medical care and restricted access to representatives legal and of the embassy.

The court has ordered that he be provided with a wheelchair, a decision that will be further reviewed when the trial resumes on Wednesday. However, his family remains deeply concerned. Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, has spoken out about her husband’s mistreatment, accusing the Nigerian government of illegal detention and negligence.

She has also called on US authorities to take stronger action, criticizing them for downplaying her spouse’s health problems and withholding vital medical records.

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