Detained Binance Executive Sues NSA, EFCC

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been sued by the detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, over alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

In the originating motion dated and filed March 18, by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan sought five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

Also, a separate right enforcement suit was filed before Justice Ekwo by Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s Africa regional manager, who escaped from lawful custody on March 22.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, had sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents.

In his application, Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, sought a declaration that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He said the act violated his fundamental right to personal liberty, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

He also sought an order from the court directing the respondents to release him from their custody and return his international travel passport immediately.

Also, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and agents from further detaining him about any investigation into or demands from Binance was sought by Gambaryan.

While seeking an order for the respondents to issue a public apology to him, he also prayed for the cost of this action on a full indemnity basis.