Binance Executives File Lawsuits Against NSA Ribadu And EFCC, Seek Redress For Rights Violations
Two executives from Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange platform, have taken legal action against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging violations of their fundamental rights.
Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive overseeing financial crime compliance, filed a suit on March 18, represented by his lawyer Olujoke Aliyu from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm. Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, initiated a separate suit before Justice Inyang Ekwo.
In the lawsuits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as respondents.
Gambaryan alleged that his detention and the confiscation of his passport violated Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, constituting a breach of his fundamental right to personal liberty. He sought his immediate release, return of his passport, an injunction against further detention related to any Binance investigations, a public apology, and costs incurred.
Both executives stated that they visited Nigeria in response to invitations from ONSA and EFCC but were detained afterward without formal charges.
During court proceedings, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, representing Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, informed the court of the respondents’ absence despite being served. Krukrubo also mentioned their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla, filed on March 26.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to April 8 to allow the applicants to seek new representation and give the respondents an opportunity to appear.
In Gambaryan’s case, Krukrubo stated that although the processes were served on ONSA and EFCC, they still had time to respond. He requested an adjournment, indicating that the respondents’ deadline to file their applications would expire the following week.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government plans to arraign Binance Holdings Limited and its executives, Gambaryan and the fleeing Anjarwalla, on April 4 on allegations of tax evasion. Anjarwalla had reportedly escaped from custody on March 22.
