Binance Executive’s Indefinite Jail in Nigeria Violates Due Process

Indefinite Jailing of Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan in Nigeria Sparks Outcry Over Due Process

The indefinite detention of U.S. citizen and Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, in Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the violation of due process and the rule of law. Gambaryan, who was arrested in February 2024, has now spent 225 days in a Nigerian prison, reportedly over compliance-related issues faced by Binance in the country.

His case has drawn criticism from both Nigerian and international bodies, as well as the U.S. government, which has called for his release on humanitarian grounds.

Gambaryan, serving as the head of Binance Financial Crime Compliance at the time of his arrest, was invited to a meeting with top Nigerian officials earlier this year. However, the meeting resulted in his detention on money laundering charges. Since then, he has been held in Kuje prison without a clear trial date, leading many to question the principles of due process in Nigeria.

Due Process Violations

“Bail is a rule, jail is an exception” is a popular adage in the judiciary, yet this principle seems to have been disregarded in Gambaryan’s case. Due process, a cornerstone of justice, ensures that individuals are treated fairly by the courts and that no one is deprived of life, liberty, or property without lawful procedures. In the case of Gambaryan, these protections appear to have been violated, as he has been kept in detention without resolution.

Nigeria, like many other countries, operates on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. However, the prolonged detention of Gambaryan without a timely trial undermines the very foundation of justice. His continuous imprisonment has become a controversial issue, with many legal experts and human rights advocates calling for reforms in Nigeria’s legal system.

Deteriorating Health and Humanitarian Concerns

Concerns over Gambaryan’s health have intensified since a viral video emerged, showing him limping on crutches and visibly in pain during a court hearing. His condition has reportedly worsened during his detention, prompting international intervention. On September 12, the U.S. government demanded his release on humanitarian grounds, with his wife, Yuki, accusing Nigerian authorities of “playing with her husband’s life.”

Despite these calls, the Nigerian court postponed his bail hearing to October 9, further prolonging his detention. The delay in granting Gambaryan’s bail has been widely criticized, particularly in light of the Nelson Mandela Rules, which emphasize the importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of prisoners.

The Mandela Rules and Prisoner Rights

The United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules outline minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, including provisions for medical care. Neglecting Gambaryan’s health in prison could be considered a violation of these rules, compounding the already serious issue of his prolonged detention without trial. His case highlights broader concerns about the treatment of prisoners in Nigeria, and the failure to uphold international human rights standards.

What The saga of Binance means for Nigeria Image

The case of Tigran Gambaryan serves as a grim reminder of the inefficiencies and lack of transparency in Nigeria’s judicial system. His indefinite jailing without trial not only undermines justice but also raises questions about the country’s commitment to human rights. As calls for legal reform grow louder, it is clear that the Nigerian government must act swiftly to restore trust in its legal processes and ensure that justice is both timely and fair.

Perhaps, only then will Nigeria begin to repair its tarnished image on the global stage.