*Fleeing Anjarwalla’s Lawyer Withdraws Appearance
THE detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has sued the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
Gambaryan, in the originating motion dated and filed March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, is seeking five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
Also, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa Regional Manager, who escaped from lawful custody on March 22 and fled the country, filed a separate right enforcement suit before the Judge.
Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in the suits, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, respectively, had sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents seeking the same reliefs.
Gambaryan, a United States (US) citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, in his application, is seeking a declaration that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of 1999 Constitution (as amended) and amounts to a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty, as guaranteed by the constitution.
He is also seeking an order directing the respondents to release him from their custody and to return his international travel passport with immediate effect.
Gambaryan is equally seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance.
In addition, he is seeking an order for the respondents to issue a public apology to him and pay for the cost of this action on a full indemnity basis.
In a statement in support of the suit, he said he is an American citizen who visited Nigeria on February 26, along with Anjarwalla, as a representative of Binance to honour the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria.
Giving 11-ground argument why his application should be granted, Gambaryan said he and Anjarwalla dutifully attended the meeting, after which the two of them were detained by the respondents and had remained in detention since then (save for Anjarwalla).
He added that he did not commit any offence during the meeting and neither was he informed in writing of any offence he personally committed in Nigeria at any other time, insisting: “The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company.” adding that he was not a member of the Board of Directors of Binance.
When the two suits were called on Thursday, March 28, Mr. T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) appeared for the plaintiffs.
Krukrubo told the court that though the respondents were served two days ago, they were not represented in court, drawing the attention of the court to their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26.
Although Krukrubo did not give details of why they were withdrawing their legal representation, this might not be unconnected to Anjarwalla’s escape from custody.
Justice Ekwo said having withdrawn their legal representation, “it means that the applicant has no legal representation and requires that the matter be adjourned for the applicant to seek legal representation and for the respondents to be given an opportunity to come to court.”
The trial Judge adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention.
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 respondents’ time to file their applications would expire on Thursday, April4.
Justice Ekwo consequently adjourned the matter until April 8 for further mention.
