By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission of violating his fundamental human rights.
Gambaryan, in an originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 before an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, on Thursday, 28 March, 2024, sought a declaration that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport, contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of 1999 Constitution.
He urged the court to order the NSA and the EFCC to release him from their custody and return his international travel passport with immediate effect.
Gambaryan also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance.
He also urged the court to order the respondents to issue a public apology to him.
Gambaryan said that he was in Nigeria alongside fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla to honour the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria.
Anjarwalla escaped from the guest house where he and Gambaryan were being held
He argued that he had not committed any offence during the meeting, and neither was he informed in writing of any offence he personally committed in Nigeria at any other time.
“The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company,” he added.
The fleeing Anjarwalla also filed a similar suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.
At the proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) appeared for the plaintiffs, while the respondents had no representation.
Krukrubo informed the court that the respondents were served two days ago.
Shortly after that, he announced to the court that he was withdrawing from the matter as counsel for the fleeing Anjarwalla.
Justice Ekwo, adjourned the matter till April 8 he did not give reasons for his withdrawal.
