Binance Executive Files Lawsuit Against NSA, EFCC for Alleged Rights Violations

Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has filed a lawsuit against the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of his fundamental rights.

Gambaryan, who oversees financial crime compliance at the cryptocurrency exchange platform, claims that his detention and the confiscation of his international travel passport violated his rights under the 1999 Constitution.

In a separate suit, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, has also taken legal action against the NSA and EFCC.

Both cases, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, were presented before Justice Inyang Ekwo, with the ONSA and EFCC named as the 1st and 2nd respondents, respectively.

Gambaryan’s suit requests five reliefs, including immediate release, return of his passport, and an injunction against further detention related to any Binance investigations.

He also seeks a public apology from the respondents and compensation for the costs incurred.

According to the court filings, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla visited Nigeria on February 26 in response to invitations from ONSA and EFCC.

However, they were detained after attending the meetings, despite the absence of formal charges.

During the court proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court that the respondents had not been served with the legal documents.

He also mentioned a notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26.

Justice Ekwo acknowledged the withdrawal of legal representation and adjourned the matter to April 8, giving the applicants time to seek new representation and allowing the respondents an opportunity to appear in court.

In Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo stated that although the processes were served on ONSA and EFCC, they still had time to respond. The court scheduled the next hearing for April 8 to continue proceedings.

As the legal battle between Binance executives and the Nigerian authorities unfolds, the outcome of the lawsuits could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry and the enforcement of fundamental rights in Nigeria.