Detained Binance director Tigran Gambaryan has sued two Nigerian agencies, accusing them of violating his basic human rights.
Local media outlet Premium Times reported Thursday that a lawsuit was filed against the Natural Security Advisor (NSA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 18.
Meanwhile, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, also filed an individual enforcement suit against Judge Ekwo. Anjarwalla, who evaded lawful detention on March 22, is pursuing the same legal remedies as Gambaryan. Binance had not responded to Cryptonews ‘ request for comment by the time of the press release.
The lawsuits follow the arrest of the two executives and the confiscation of their passports in February as part of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges in Nigeria. Nigerian authorities accused Binance of violating local tax laws by failing to provide proper documentation (VAT invoices) and obstructing the collection of taxes from users.
The repression was linked to the frequent depreciation of the Nigerian naira against the US dollar.
Director demands surrender and return of passport in Nigerian legal saga
According to Premium Times, Gambaryan (a U.S. citizen) argued that the detention and confiscation of his passport violated his right to personal freedom as enshrined in Article 35(1) and (4) of the Nigerian Constitution. He requested his immediate release and return of his passport.
He then applied for a permanent injunction that prohibits authorities from detaining him in connection with future investigations or demands concerning Binance. In addition, he demanded an apology from the government and reimbursement of all legal costs.
In an additional statement, Gambaryan said he traveled to Nigeria on February 26 solely as a representative of Binance and attended a meeting organized by the authorities to discuss important issues.
He further asserted that he had not committed any crime during the meeting, nor had he received prior written notification of any potentially improper conduct in Nigeria.
A court in Nigeria has set a new trial date
Appearing on behalf of the two directors on Thursday, Nigerian lawyer TJ Krukrubo explained that they have no official legal representation. He filed a notice of withdrawal with the court on March 26 on behalf of Anjarwalla.
Since there was no representation, Judge Echo adjourned the hearing until April 8. The postponement gives the defendants more time to prepare and the plaintiffs the opportunity to seek legal counsel.
