Day 1: Trial Commences for Binance Employee Tigran Gambaryan in Abuja Court

Today marked the commencement of the trial for Tigran Gambaryan, the American Binance employee who found himself involved in legal Issues after being invited to Nigeria by the Nigerian Government. 

The proceedings unfolded at the court in Abuja, where three cases were heard.

In the first instance, the court ruled that Binance can be served with the FIRS tax evasion charge through Tigran despite Tigran not being an officer of the company.

The Prosecutor thereafter informed the court that he filed an amended charge and applied to the court to proceed with the arraignment of both Binance and Tigran.

Tigran’s lawyers objected to the application on the grounds that they need to review the amended charge in order to advise Tigran on taking his plea. The Court agreed and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, 22 May 2024 for arraignment.

In the second case, the Court refused Tigran’s bail application on the grounds that they believe there is a likelihood that Tigran will manage to jump bail despite not having a passport and many assurances that were given to the court that he would not. The Court stated that it would rather accelerate the trial.

Then the EFCC case was opened by the Prosecutor who called on Abdulkadir Abbas from the Nigerian SEC as the first prosecution witness.

After the prosecution finished their examination of the first witness, Tigran’s lawyers requested a ‘stand down’ to obtain certified records of certain documents in the proof of evidence to be used in their cross examination of the witness. The court has adjourned to Thursday, 23 May at noon.

Meanwhile Yuki Gambaryan the wife of Tigran Gambaryan said “I truly cannot believe that my innocent husband is now – on his 40th birthday – having to face a trial for charges that he has nothing to do with. The whole world is watching what he is being put through and I just pray that common sense and justice will prevail and that Tigran will be allowed to come home to us.”

Responding to the developments, Binance spokeperson expressed his disappointment over Gambaryan’s continued detention “We are deeply disappointed that Tigran Gambaryan, who has no decision-making power in the company, continues to be detained. Tigran has been dedicated to public service and fighting crime for most of his life. These charges against him are completely meritless. He should be freed while discussions continue between Binance and Nigerian government officials.”