Binance executive Gambaryan whisked into courtroom in wheelchair

The detained Binance Holdings Limited’s executive, Tigran Gambaryan, was whisked into the courtroom at the Federal High Court, Abuja in a wheelchair on Tuesday, July 16.  

Gambaryan, who was dressed in a black T-shirt with blue jeans trousers, is facing a money laundering charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside the cryptocurrency firm.

When the matter was called, Gambaryan stood up from the wheelchair and walked slowly into the dock.

The EFCC lawyer, Ogechi Ujam, told the court that though the matter was scheduled for the continuation of trial, the commission’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, was not in court. He then prayed the court to stand down the matter to enable Iheanacho to conduct the trial.

Lawyer to Binance, Babatunde Fagbohunlu, (SAN), and Mark Mordi, who represented Gambaryan, did not oppose the application.

Justice Emeka Nwite stepped down on the matter.

Justice Emeka Nwite on July 5, ordered the management of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to release the medical certificate of Gambaryan on or before July 16.

The judge gave the order following an application by Gambaryan’s lawyer.

Mordi had prayed the court to summon the medical doctor at the health facility of Kuje Correctional Centre, to explain why he had allegedly refused to make available his client’s medical report despite an earlier court order.