Tigran Gambaryan, the detained Binance executive, has taken legal action against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing them of violating his fundamental human rights.
In an originating motion filed with the Federal High Court, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, Gambaryan sought a declaration that his detention and the confiscation of his international travel passport contravened Section 35(1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution. He demanded immediate release from custody and the return of his passport.
Additionally, Gambaryan requested an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in connection with any investigation or demands from Binance. He also sought a public apology from the respondents.
Gambaryan stated that he had traveled to Nigeria alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla to attend an invitation from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and EFCC to discuss Binance-related issues in the country. Anjarwalla managed to escape from the guest house where they were being held.
Gambaryan argued that he had not committed any offense during the meeting and had not been informed in writing of any offense he personally committed in Nigeria or at any other time.
He asserted that his detention was solely due to government requests for information from Binance and demands on the company.
Anjarwalla also filed a similar suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.
During the proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) represented the plaintiffs, while the respondents were not represented. Krukrubo informed the court that the respondents had been served two days prior.
Following this, Krukrubo announced his withdrawal from representing Anjarwalla, without providing reasons for the decision.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the matter until April 8 for further proceedings.
