Thursday’s proceedings in the trial of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan at the Federal High Court in Abuja took an unexpected turn when the defendant collapsed. As the court registrar called for the trial to resume, Gambaryan, instead of stepping forward to the dock, remained seated at the back.
The trial judge, Justice Nwite, noticing Gambaryan’s absence, inquired about his whereabouts. A member of the defense team, seated beside Gambaryan, assisted him as they slowly made their way towards the dock. However, Gambaryan collapsed en route, and the lawyer helped him to a seat in the front row.
His lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), informed the court that Gambaryan was indisposed and that a written application had been submitted to notify the court of his condition. Mordi requested that the case not proceed that day.
Gambaryan had previously been absent for his arraignment on tax evasion charges brought by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, alongside his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla (who is currently evading arrest) and their firm, Binance Holdings Limited. At the previous hearing, Justice Nwite had denied Gambaryan’s bail application, citing flight risk based on evidence presented by the EFCC, similar to that of Anjarwalla.
Gambaryan, Anjarwalla, and Binance Holdings Limited face charges of money laundering and terrorism financing filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Gambaryan is currently held at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
