Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive from Binance, has accused the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of violating his fundamental human rights. In an originating motion filed with the Federal High Court and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, Gambaryan contends that his detention and the confiscation of his international travel passport by the NSA and the EFCC contravene Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution.
Gambaryan is seeking a declaration from the court that his detention and the seizure of his passport are unlawful. He urges the court to order the NSA and the EFCC to release him immediately and return his passport. Furthermore, he seeks an injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further detaining him in connection with any investigation into or demands from Binance. Additionally, he requests that the respondents issue a public apology to him.
Gambaryan states that he came to Nigeria alongside Nadeem Anjarwalla to honor an invitation from the ONSA and EFCC to discuss matters relating to Binance. Anjarwalla escaped from the guest house where they were being held. Gambaryan asserts that he has not committed any offense during the meeting and has not been formally informed of any offense he personally committed in Nigeria or at any other time.
He argues that his detention is solely because the government is seeking information from Binance and making demands on the company.
In a related development, the fleeing Anjarwalla also filed a similar suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24.
During the proceedings on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo (SAN) appeared for the plaintiffs, while there was no representation for the respondents. Krukrubo informed the court that the respondents were served two days prior. Shortly after, he announced his withdrawal from the matter as counsel for Anjarwalla, without giving reasons.
The trial judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, adjourned the matter until April 8.
