By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Barely 24 hours after the federal government dropped the money laundering charges against him on Wednesday, an executive of Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, Mr Tigran Gambaryan, has left the shores of Nigeria.
Mr Gambaryan was detained by the Nigerian authorities after he honoured an invitation in February 2024 along with another member of staff of his organisation, Mr Nadeem Anjarwalla.
They were both detained on arrival to the country, but the latter absconded and has been declared as a fugitive.
Mr Gambaryan was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja along with Binance on charges bordering on money laundering and tax evasion.
Despite efforts by his company and his family to secure his release, the Nigerian government refused to free him until Wednesday when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that it was withdrawing the case ahead of trial on Friday (today).
In a message on Thursday, Binance confirmed that Mr Gambaryan, who has suffered worsening health while in detention, has departed Nigeria after eight months to reunite with his family.
“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention.
“Gambaryan was allowed to leave Kuje prison last night. His health has suffered significantly while in prison. He will now be able to finally receive the medical attention he desperately requires,” a part of the statement said.
His wife, Mrs Yuki Gambaryan, described the “past eight months” as a “living nightmare,” saying she wished “it hadn’t taken this long for his release or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family,” noting that there were moments she “feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength.”
Mrs Gambaryan thanked, “The US government for their efforts in securing his release. I also want to thank everyone who helped us throughout this ordeal,” noting that, “The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult, and I appreciate being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again.”