Tigran Gambarian was again denied the use of a wheelchair in court. Prosecutors disputed his medical problems. Binance Man’s lawyer says his client has been denied access.
Ailing Binance executive Tigran Gambarian pleaded with a Nigerian judge on Monday to allow him to undergo surgery on his back, which has a herniated disc.
“I’ve been complaining about this forever and nothing has been done,” said Gambarian, 40, as his money-laundering trial reopened in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
“The lack of proper care has left me with permanent nerve damage and that’s why I’m in this state where I can no longer walk,” added Gambarian, who entered the courtroom after being denied a wheelchair.
Overriding problem
Gambarian’s deteriorating health has become a major issue against Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency and Binance, the world’s top cryptocurrency exchange.
Gambarian, who denied the prosecution’s allegations, had been suffering from pneumonia and malaria since his incarceration in a prison near Abuja in April.
Justice Emeka Nwite ordered prison authorities to provide a wheelchair for Gambarian’s use.
Prosecutor Ekene Iheanacho dismissed Gambaryan’s complaints and said they were not as serious as reported by the Binance executive.
The prosecutor also told the judge that prison officials were taking good care of Gambarian.
Join the community to get our latest articles and updates
Meanwhile, Gambarian lawyer Marc Mordi has filed a new bail application for his client. Envite rejected the application on April 8 before remanding Gambarian to Kuje prison pending his trial.
Access is denied
Mordi accused prison officials of medical negligence for aggravating his client’s previous back condition.
Mordi alleged that since the adjournment on July 16, prison authorities have denied his client access.
Gambarian was charged by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with currency speculation and money laundering of $35 million.
Gambarian’s owner, Binance, has been charged with the same offense and has denied the allegations.
Enwait adjourned the hearing to September 4 for ruling on the bail application.
Osato Awan-Nomayo Our Nigeria based DeFi representative. He covers DeFi and technology. To share tips or information about articles, please contact him here [email protected].
Related TopicsBINANCE NIGERIABINANCE