Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan has filed a lawsuit against two Nigerian agencies, accusing them of violating his basic human rights. The suit, filed against the National Security Adviser and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission on March 18, follows his detention and passport confiscation in February. Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, has also filed a similar lawsuit for rights enforcement. Both executives are seeking legal remedies for the alleged violations by Nigerian authorities, who claimed Binance violated tax regulations and hindered tax collection from users. The crackdown on crypto exchanges in Nigeria was prompted by the frequent depreciation of the Nigerian Naira against the US dollar.
Gambaryan, a US citizen, argued that his detention and passport seizure violated his right to personal liberty as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He demanded his immediate release and the return of his passport, as well as a permanent court order barring authorities from detaining him in the future in connection with Binance-related matters. He also requested a public apology from the authorities and compensation for legal expenses incurred. Gambaryan clarified in an affidavit that his visit to Nigeria was solely as a representative of Binance and that he had not committed any offense during a meeting with authorities on Feb. 26, nor had he been notified of any alleged wrongdoing beforehand.
During a court hearing, a senior Nigerian lawyer appeared on behalf of both executives, noting they did not have official legal representation at the time. He informed the court of a withdrawal notice filed for Anjarwalla on March 26. Due to the lack of representation, the case was adjourned until April 8 to allow the applicants to secure legal counsel and give respondents additional preparation time. The delay in the proceedings provides an opportunity for both parties to adequately prepare for the legal battle over the alleged human rights violations and the detention of the Binance executives.
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, did not respond to requests for comment on the lawsuits filed by Gambaryan and Anjarwalla. The legal saga in Nigeria highlights the challenges faced by crypto companies operating in regulatory environments that are increasingly scrutinizing their activities. The crackdown on Binance and other crypto exchanges in Nigeria is part of a broader effort by authorities to ensure compliance with tax regulations and prevent financial crimes. The legal battle between the detained Binance executives and Nigerian agencies underscores the complexities of navigating the regulatory landscape in emerging markets where cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity.
The detention and legal challenges faced by Gambaryan and Anjarwalla in Nigeria raise concerns about the protection of human rights and due process in the country. The executives’ demands for release, passport return, and compensation for legal expenses reflect their commitment to upholding their rights and seeking justice for the alleged violations they have experienced. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of the case will have implications for the future of Binance’s operations in Nigeria and the broader cryptocurrency industry in the country. The resolution of the legal saga will shed light on the regulatory challenges faced by crypto companies in emerging markets and the importance of upholding human rights standards in the context of regulatory enforcement actions against cryptocurrency exchanges.
