Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has denied the bail application of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance Holdings. This decision comes after Gambaryan’s legal representative, Mark Mordi (SAN), argued on September 4 that his client’s health is in a “perilous” state.

Mordi claimed Gambaryan urgently needs surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care due to depression and anxiety. He requested a six-week bail period for Gambaryan to access necessary medical treatment outside of prison, highlighting the insufficient healthcare facilities available in custody.

In response, Ekele Iheanacho, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disputed these claims, suggesting they exaggerated the seriousness of Gambaryan’s health issues. He asserted that the executive could receive adequate care while detained at Kuje Correctional Facility and maintained that his health condition did not warrant bail.

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Iheanacho pointed out that Gambaryan had been treated at reputable medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, and noted a medical report indicating that Gambaryan had refused medication and treatment. He emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest that the Nigerian Correctional Service could not manage his health.

“Experts have been engaged, and the NCS is taking care of him,” Iheanacho stated, adding that the medical assessments thus far revealed no serious illness. Complaints regarding his care have been communicated to the National Security Adviser.

In his ruling on the bail motion, Justice Nwite dismissed the request, affirming that “renowned Nigerian medical experts are already managing the second defendant’s health.” However, he instructed the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure Gambaryan is transferred to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment, under security supervision, for a period of three days to two weeks.

The court has adjourned the case until October 18, 2024, with additional hearings scheduled for November 22 and 25, 2024. Gambaryan faces serious allegations of money laundering amounting to $35.4 million brought against him by the EFCC.