The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday dismissed a compensation suit filed by former Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Tigran Gambaryan, against Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Gambaryan had sought damages over what his legal team described as “prolonged detention” in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment, Justice Umar Mohammed ruled that the court would not interfere with the prosecutorial role of Nigerian authorities in investigating alleged foreign exchange violations and money laundering linked to Binance. The judge noted that criminal charges against the cryptocurrency platform, filed in 2024, remain pending before Justice Emeka Nwite, and that Gambaryan’s bail application had previously been denied due to concerns he posed a flight risk.
Gambaryan, an American citizen, was detained in February 2024 after visiting Nigeria to attend a government-led meeting with Binance representatives. He claimed the detention caused “immense hardship and emotional stress” for him and his family. His lawyers sought an apology and compensation from the EFCC and NSA.
The respondents, however, argued that the detention was lawful and supported by a remand order, and that the suit represented an abuse of court process. They also pointed out that intelligence reports received by the NSA had justified investigative actions under Nigerian law.
Justice Umar agreed with the respondents, stating that fundamental rights are not absolute and may be limited when national security or ongoing investigations are involved. He held that Gambaryan offered no evidence of immunity from prosecution and dismissed the suit, leaving the underlying criminal case against Binance ongoing.
The ruling concludes a high-profile legal challenge that drew attention to Nigeria’s scrutiny of cryptocurrency platforms, including allegations of FX manipulation and money laundering. While Gambaryan was eventually released on health grounds, his former colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, had fled the country following similar charges.
