Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan did not appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, raising concerns as to his whereabouts.
He is facing $35.4m in money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Both the defence and prosecution teams were unaware of the reason for his absence.
Justice Emeka Nwite stood down the court briefly to allow the parties to investigate why Gambaryan was not in court.
After the court resumed, the prosecution counsel said Gambaryan was receiving treatment at a hospital and that the correctional centre would provide more details.
A representative from the correctional facility said to the court, “My Lord, the 2nd defendant is very sick, and we will not be able to produce him in court today.”
The defence counsel requested an adjournment until the following week to update the court on his client’s health.
“I humbly beseech my Lord for a date next week, if only to report on the 2nd defendant’s state of health. This should allow the parties to take any necessary steps to ensure the 2nd defendant receives proper medical attention,” he stated.
The prosecution did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to Friday, October 25 for an update on Gambarayan’s health condition.
Last week, Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), prayed to the court for a six-week bail for his client to seek proper medical attention outside the correctional facility, citing inadequate care in custody.
He stated that Gambaryan required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety.
But the prosecution said the defence was exaggerating the severity of the Binance official’s health condition.
