During today’s hearing, Tigran Gambaryan was allegedly denied the use of a wheelchair, forcing him to enter the court on crutches despite being in visible pain and distress. 

Reports claim that he broke down in tears in court, prompting his lawyers to file a new bail application on medical grounds and due to restricted access to their client. 

The EFCC prosecutor reportedly opposed the application, arguing that Tigran Gambaryan is not in ill health, despite the partial release of his medical records, which reveal the need for urgent surgery. 

It is also reported that essential parts of his medical records, including an MRI scan, were missing. Contradictorily, the EFCC prosecution also claimed that Gambaryan is refusing treatment. The judge is expected to continue hearing the bail application and trial on September 4th.

In the courtroom, Tigran Gambaryan reportedly pleaded with the judge, stating that he is not receiving proper medical care in prison and is being denied basic rights, including access to his legal counsel and embassy representatives. The judge ordered that he be allowed to use a wheelchair.

Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, has released a statement condemning the situation: “This situation is entirely unjust. My husband was unlawfully detained by the Nigerian government after being invited under false pretences for a meeting in their country. 

During this prolonged imprisonment, his health continues to deteriorate, and now, he is in so much pain that he can barely walk. The U.S. Government must do more to help Tigran. I urge them to use every available tool to free an innocent American who is at risk of permanent damage.

I am also deeply concerned about recent statements from Nigerian authorities denying Tigran’s health issues. The truth is that the prison has withheld his medical records for months, and even the partial records they finally released today say that Tigran needs surgery. They cannot keep playing games with my husband’s life like this. This entire situation is inhumane and degrading, and I am fed up. There must be consequences for this disregard of law and human rights.”

The case continues to develop, with the next hearing scheduled for September 4th.

The order was made after Tigran collapsed in court on 23rd May. It has not yet officially been ascertained what he is suffering from given that the medical facilities at Kuje are inadequate.

It is suspected that he has a severe throat infection and Malaria.

Again, Tigran’s wife, Yuki Gambaryan, has pleaded with the Nigerian authorities to comply with the court order so that Tigran may receive appropriate medical care.

“My husband’s physical and mental health is seriously deteriorating. I am devastated and shocked that, despite the court’s clear directive for his admission to a hospital, the authorities have not allowed him to leave the very prison causing his illness. Tigran does not deserve such inhumane treatment. He has done nothing wrong and is suffering simply because he accepted an invitation to a meeting in Abuja. This has gone too far. I am begging everyone who can help, including our own American government, to recognize that an innocent man’s life is at risk. Please, at least let him go to the hospital so he can recover. But more importantly, let him come home to us,” she said.

The Binance staff was detained after the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to scrutinize the activities of Binance, which officials said, contributed to the depreciation of the Nigerian currency, the naira.