The Federal Government has strongly denied accusations made by US lawmakers regarding the health and treatment of Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, who is detained in Nigeria on charges of tax evasion and financial crimes.
In a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, called the allegations false and without basis. He affirmed that Gambaryan is held under lawful court orders and receives adequate medical care.
"It is necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address these claims about the prison conditions of Tigran Gambaryan, or that his health is failing," Idris said. "These allegations are untrue. Gambaryan is in lawful detention with access to quality medical care and consular services from his home government."
The government highlighted its commitment to due process and legal standards, ensuring Gambaryan's fundamental rights are protected during his detention and trial. Idris noted that any changes to Gambaryan’s detention must be decided by the court.
"Our actions against Binance comply with international norms and responsibilities. Any assertions of poor conditions or health deterioration are incorrect," Idris stated.
This response follows an appeal by US lawmakers French Hill and Chrissy Houlahan, who recently visited Gambaryan at Kuje prison. They expressed concerns over his health, alleging he suffers from malaria and double pneumonia without adequate medical attention, describing the prison conditions as "horrible."
The Federal Government reaffirmed its stance on maintaining legal integrity and humane treatment of detainees, refuting the claims made by the US representatives.
