The federal government says Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, currently detained in Nigeria is facing lawful trial and has access to quality health care.
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, made this known in a statement on Friday.
Idris’s statement comes a day after two members of the United States congress paid a visit to Gambaryan at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja.
The lawmakers said Gambaryan was suffering and lacked access to proper medical attention.
However, Idris said the claims “are false and should be ignored”.
“It has become necessary for the federal government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, is being held in unsavory prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating,” Idris said.
“Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required. He also has full access to consular services from his home government.
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“The federal government will not do anything to jeopardize his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.”
Idris also said the federal government will continue to follow due process in its quest to bring Binance to justice.
“This adherence to legal and diplomatic standards underscores Nigeria’s dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the integrity of its judicial processes,” Idris added.
“The executive is being treated with the utmost fairness, and his legal and human rights are being protected throughout the judicial proceedings.”
On June 14, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) dropped the tax charges against Gambaryan, after confirming the appointment of Ayodele Omotilewa as Binance’s representative — with the agency filing a fresh charge listing the exchange as the sole defendant.
