By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned till October 25 the trial of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan till October 25.
Gambaryan faces charges of laundering $35.4 million
The charges were brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the trial session on Friday, Gambaryan’s absence surprised both the defence and the prosecution team, with neither side aware of his whereabouts.
Justice Nwite briefly paused proceedings to allow the parties to investigate the defendant’s absence. Upon resumption, the court was informed by the prosecution that Gambaryan was receiving treatment at a hospital, with more details to be provided by the correctional facility.
A representative from the correctional center confirmed the severity of Gambaryan’s condition, stating, “My Lord, the 2nd defendant is very sick, and we will not be able to produce him in court today.”
Mark Mordi, Gambaryan’s lawyer, requested a one-week adjournment to update the court on his client’s health. He also expressed concern for Gambaryan’s medical needs, requesting a postponement to allow the defendant to receive adequate care. Prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, did not oppose the request, stressing that while they were eager to proceed with the trial, health issues took precedence.
Justice Nwite granted the adjournment, setting a new date for October 25, when the court will receive an update on Gambaryan’s health.
Last week, Mordi had sought a six-week bail for Gambaryan, arguing that his client needed surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care for depression and anxiety, which he could not receive in custody. However, the prosecution opposed the bail request, with Iheanacho asserting that Gambaryan’s condition was being exaggerated and that adequate treatment could be provided in the correctional facility.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite denied the bail request, stating that Nigerian medical experts were already managing Gambaryan’s health. However, he ordered that Gambaryan be treated at a reputable hospital in Abuja, under security supervision, for up to two weeks. Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled an update on October 25 to assess the health of detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, after he missed a scheduled trial hearing.
Gambaryan faces charges of laundering $35.4 million, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the trial session on Friday, Gambaryan’s absence surprised both the defense and prosecution teams, with neither side aware of his whereabouts.
Justice Nwite briefly paused proceedings to allow the parties to investigate the defendant’s absence. Upon resumption, the court was informed by the prosecution that Gambaryan was receiving treatment at a hospital, with more details to be provided by the correctional facility.
A representative from the correctional center confirmed the severity of Gambaryan’s condition, stating, “My Lord, the 2nd defendant is very sick, and we will not be able to produce him in court today.”
Mark Mordi, Gambaryan’s lawyer, requested a one-week adjournment to update the court on his client’s health. He also expressed concern for Gambaryan’s medical needs, requesting a postponement to allow the defendant to receive adequate care. Prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, did not oppose the request, stressing that while they were eager to proceed with the trial, health issues took precedence.
Justice Nwite granted the adjournment, setting a new date for October 25, when the court will receive an update on Gambaryan’s health.
Last week, Mordi had sought a six-week bail for Gambaryan, arguing that his client needed surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care for depression and anxiety, which he could not receive in custody. However, the prosecution opposed the bail request, with Iheanacho asserting that Gambaryan’s condition was being exaggerated and that adequate treatment could be provided in the correctional facility.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite denied the bail request, stating that Nigerian medical experts were already managing Gambaryan’s health. However, he ordered that Gambaryan be treated at a reputable hospital in Abuja, under security supervision, for up to two weeks.
