The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has amended its $35.4 million money laundering charge against Binance Holdings Limited.
The development follows the discharge of Tigran Gambaryan previously listed as the second defendant in the case.
During proceedings on Monday before Justice Emeka Nwite, EFCC’s counsel Ekele Iheanacho informed the court of the agency’s decision to revise the charge to reflect Gambaryan’s discharge and comply with an earlier court directive to streamline the documentation.
The defense counsel for Binance Okiemute Okwakwa did not oppose the application for amendment.
Iheanacho subsequently requested the court to read the amended six-count charge to the defendant following Section 478 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
He also asked the court to enter a not-guilty plea on Binance’s behalf.
After the charge was read and the plea entered, Justice Nwite scheduled the continuation of the trial for February 24 and 25, 2025.
The EFCC has not disclosed further details about the amended charges or how they differ from the initial allegations. However, the agency’s actions signify its commitment to pursuing the case despite the changes to the defendants listed.
On October 23, Justice Nwite ordered the release of Gambaryan from Kuje Correctional Centre.
The judge gave the order after the EFCC’s counsel R. U. Adagba informed the court of the decision of the Federal Government to withdraw the charge against him.
