In a dramatic turn of events in Nigeria’s ongoing crypto crackdown, Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, has initiated legal proceedings against two prominent Nigerian agencies. Gambaryan alleges that his detention and the seizure of his passport constitute a severe infringement of his fundamental human rights. This lawsuit throws a spotlight on the escalating tensions between cryptocurrency exchanges and Nigerian authorities, raising critical questions about regulatory overreach and due process.
What’s Happening? Binance Exec Sues Nigerian Agencies
The legal action, brought against the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was officially filed on March 18, as reported by Premium Times. This development coincides with a parallel legal challenge from Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa. Anjarwalla, who recently escaped custody, is pursuing similar legal remedies, amplifying the pressure on Nigerian authorities.
These lawsuits are a direct consequence of the detention of both executives in February. Nigerian authorities also confiscated their passports amidst a broader initiative targeting cryptocurrency exchanges operating within the country. The government’s crackdown is reportedly linked to allegations that Binance has flouted local tax regulations, specifically failing to provide Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices and allegedly hindering tax collection from its Nigerian user base.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of the Nigerian Naira’s persistent depreciation against the US dollar, a factor that has reportedly fueled the government’s scrutiny of cryptocurrency platforms.
Binance Exec’s Plea: Freedom and Passport Back!
Gambaryan, a US citizen, is invoking Articles 35(1) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee the right to personal liberty. According to Premium Times’ report, his legal team argues that his ongoing detention and passport confiscation are clear violations of these rights. He is petitioning the Nigerian court for:
- Immediate Release: Demanding his freedom from detention.
- Passport Return: Seeking the immediate return of his confiscated passport.
Furthermore, Gambaryan is proactively seeking legal safeguards against future actions. His petition includes a request for a permanent court order that would prevent authorities from detaining him again in connection with any ongoing or future investigations or demands related to Binance’s operations in Nigeria.
Beyond his personal liberty, Gambaryan is also seeking accountability and redress for the alleged injustices he has faced. His lawsuit includes demands for:
- Public Apology: A formal public apology from the Nigerian authorities for his detention and passport seizure.
- Compensation: Financial compensation to cover all legal expenses incurred as a result of his detention and legal battle.
In his affidavit supporting the lawsuit, Gambaryan clarifies the context of his visit to Nigeria. He states that he traveled to the country on February 26th solely in his capacity as a Binance representative. His purpose was to attend a meeting at the invitation of Nigerian authorities to engage in discussions regarding issues relevant to Binance’s operations in the region.
Crucially, Gambaryan asserts that he did not commit any offense during this meeting. He also emphasizes that he had not received any prior formal notification, in writing or otherwise, of any alleged wrongdoing by him or Binance within Nigeria before his detention.
Court Adjourns Hearing: What’s Next in the Binance Legal Battle?
The initial court hearing saw senior Nigerian lawyer TJ Krukrubo appear on behalf of both Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla. However, Krukrubo clarified to the court that he was not yet officially representing either executive in a formal legal capacity. He also informed the court of a withdrawal notice previously submitted on March 26th for Anjarwalla’s case.
Due to the lack of formal legal representation and the evolving circumstances, Justice Echo decided to postpone the hearing. The case is now adjourned until April 8th. This adjournment serves two key purposes:
- Legal Representation: It provides Gambaryan and Anjarwalla the necessary time to secure official legal counsel to represent them in these significant rights violation cases.
- Preparation Time: The adjournment also grants the respondent agencies – the NSA and EFCC – additional time to prepare their defense and legal arguments in response to the allegations.
The adjourned hearing on April 8th is now a date to watch. It will likely set the stage for the next phase in this high-stakes legal saga between a Binance executive and Nigerian authorities. The outcome could have significant implications for cryptocurrency regulation in Nigeria and the treatment of international businesses operating within the country.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not trading advice. Bitcoinworld.co.in holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
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Disclaimer: The information provided is not trading advice, Bitcoinworld.co.in holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.
