A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined the fresh bail application of an executive of Binance Holdings, Tigran Gambaryan.
Mr Gambaryan is facing $35.4 million in money laundering charges.
Before Justice Emeka Nwite’s Friday ruling, Gambaryan’s lawyer Mark Mordi (SAN) argued that his client’s health was “perilous.”
He stated that Gambaryan required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety.
Mordi requested a six-week bail for Gambaryan to seek proper medical attention outside the prison, citing inadequate care in custody.
But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer Ekele Iheanacho objected to the defence’s claims, arguing that they exaggerated the severity of Gambaryan’s condition.
He contended that the second defendant could receive treatment while detained at Kuje Correctional Facility, asserting that his health was not serious enough to warrant bail.
Iheanacho noted that Gambaryan had been taken to top medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, and that a medical report from the State House Clinic indicated he refused medication and treatment.
He further stated that reports from Nizamiye Hospital showed Gambaryan received comprehensive care and had exhibited no health deterioration.
Justice Nwite subsequently ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service “to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment for three days to two weeks under security supervision.”
The matter was subsequently adjourned till October 18, 2024, and November 22 and 25, 2024.
