Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, has taken legal action against the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
In an originating motion dated and filed on March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan sought five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from lawful custody on March 22, filed a separate right enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo. Both Gambaryan and Anjarwalla sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents, seeking identical reliefs.
Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, sought a declaration that his detention and the seizure of his international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).
He argued that these actions amounted to a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution. Additionally, he requested an order directing the respondents to release him from their custody and return his international travel passport immediately.
Gambaryan further sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance. He also demanded a public apology and full indemnity for the cost of the action.
In support of his suit, Gambaryan stated that he and his colleague, Anjarwalla, visited Nigeria on February 26 as representatives of Binance to discuss issues relating to the company. Following a meeting with ONSA and EFCC, they were detained without any charges.
When the suits were called on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, appeared for Anjarwalla and Gambaryan. Krukrubo informed the court that although the respondents were served two days ago, they were not represented in court.
The legal proceedings took a turn during a recent court appearance when Gambaryan’s legal representation withdrew, leading to an adjournment until April 8 to allow for new representation and for the respondents to prepare their response.
The judge adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention. Also, upon resumed hearing in Gambaryan’s suit, Krukrubo said though the processes had been served on ONSA and EFCC, they were still within time to respond.
He, therefore, sought an adjourned date, saying the respondent’s time to file their applications would expire next week Thursday.
Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until April 8, 2024 for further mention.
