A federal high court in Nigeria recently made a decision to dismiss a human rights lawsuit filed by Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla against the National Security Adviser and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, cited Anjarwalla’s lack of legal representation as the key reason for dismissing the case. This ruling was not surprising to legal experts, given that Anjarwalla had fled Nigerian authorities’ custody in March and his lawyer had subsequently withdrawn from the case.
Another Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, faced a different fate than Anjarwalla. Gambaryan remains under Nigerian custody, currently held at Kuje Prison. He is involved in multiple legal battles against the authorities, including a pending human rights enforcement application case against the Nigerian government. Despite pleading not guilty to money laundering charges, the court deemed him a flight risk and denied bail.
Speculations have arisen regarding possible intervention from the US government in Gambaryan’s detention. FBI Director Christopher Wray’s recent meeting with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has fueled these speculations. There are suggestions that diplomatic measures might be taken to address the situation. However, Binance has clarified that Gambaryan does not hold a significant decision-making role within the organization and should not be detained while the company resolves its issues with the Nigerian government.
The legal saga involving Binance executives in Nigeria sheds light on the complexities of regulatory compliance and international relations in the cryptocurrency industry. While Anjarwalla’s lawsuit was dismissed due to lack of legal representation, Gambaryan continues to face challenges in navigating the legal system. The potential for US government intervention adds another layer of uncertainty to the situation. As this case unfolds, it highlights the importance of legal counsel and strategic diplomatic relations in addressing cross-border legal issues.