The Federal High Court in Abuja has recently denied the fresh bail application of Tigran Gambaryan, a senior Binance executive who has been detained since February 2024 on money laundering charges. The court’s decision, handed down on October 11, 2024, followed heated arguments between Gambaryan’s defense team and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over claims related to his health and the necessity of his continued detention. Gambaryan’s lawyers had filed a new bail application citing his deteriorating health, including a herniated disc, depression, and anxiety, as reasons for needing specialized medical care abroad. However, the EFCC opposed the bail application, arguing that Nigerian medical facilities could adequately manage his condition and that the health claims were an attempt to secure bail.
In a previous hearing on September 4, 2024, Gambaryan’s lawyer presented medical reports indicating his worsening health condition and the urgent need for medical intervention. The defense team argued for a bail period of six weeks to allow Gambaryan to seek necessary medical treatment abroad. However, the EFCC, represented by its counsel Ekele Iheanacho, refuted the health claims, providing evidence from Nigerian medical facilities where Gambaryan had been treated. The EFCC argued that there was no urgent need for Gambaryan to leave the country for medical care and that his health issues were being exaggerated as a strategy to secure bail.
During the recent court ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite sided with the EFCC’s argument, labeling the fresh bail application as an abuse of court process since Gambaryan’s initial bail application, which also cited health concerns, was still under appeal. The judge emphasized that a lawyer cannot re-litigate a matter that is already under appeal without withdrawing the earlier application. Nwite reviewed the medical evidence presented by both sides and concluded that Gambaryan’s health condition could be managed within Nigeria based on reports from State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital. He ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to refer Gambaryan to a standard hospital in Abuja for further evaluation and treatment, if necessary, under security supervision.
The court scheduled the next hearing for October 18, with additional sessions on November 22 and 25, 2024. Despite the denial of bail, the judge’s order for further evaluation and treatment demonstrates a commitment to ensuring Gambaryan’s health needs are being met while he remains in detention. The ongoing legal battle and concerns over Gambaryan’s health highlight the complexity of the case and the challenges faced by both the defense and prosecution in reaching a resolution. The court’s decision reflects the need for a thorough review of medical evidence and the importance of ensuring that individuals in detention receive adequate medical care.
The case of Tigran Gambaryan highlights the intersection of legal and health issues in high-profile detainments, raising questions about the availability of specialized medical care for detainees in Nigeria. The denial of Gambaryan’s bail application underscores the court’s scrutiny of health claims and the need for substantial evidence to support requests for medical treatment abroad. The judge’s ruling emphasizes the importance of legal procedures and the avoidance of abusing the court process to seek bail repeatedly. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how Gambaryan’s health concerns will be addressed within the Nigerian Correctional Service system and whether further medical interventions will be required.
Overall, the denial of Tigran Gambaryan’s bail application on health grounds reflects the complexities of navigating legal and medical issues in high-profile cases. The court’s decision to deny bail while ordering further evaluation and treatment within Nigeria underscores the need for a thorough review of medical evidence and a commitment to ensuring detainees receive adequate care. As the case progresses, the ongoing legal battles and concerns over Gambaryan’s health serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in detention and the importance of balancing legal procedures with health needs. With the next hearing scheduled for October 18, the case of Tigran Gambaryan continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricacies of the Nigerian legal system and the complexities of addressing health concerns in detention settings.
