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Detained Binance Executive Gambaryan ‘can no longer walk’, family appeals to Nigerian Government again

The family of detained Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, who is facing money laundering charges in Nigeria, says “he can no longer walk”.
They have once again, asked the Nigerian government’s permission for his release due to health concerns.
In a statement sent to Nairametrics on August 26, 2024, the family stated that Gambaryan has been in detention for six months and is now suffering from severe pain due to a herniated disc in his back, while allegedly being denied access to “appropriate medical care” in Nigeria.
The Nigerian government had accused Binance and its executives, Tigran Gambaryan and the fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla, of allegedly conspiring to conceal the origin of financial proceeds from their unlawful activities in Nigeria, including $35,400,000.
It is important to recall that on July 30, 2024, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Abraham Ehizojie, a medical doctor at the Kuje Correctional Centre, for failing to produce Gambaryan’s medical report or appear in court.
We previously reported that Justice Nwite had ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service doctor to produce the medical reports of Tigran Gambaryan, warning the correctional service against non-compliance with the court’s directives.
This order came after Gambaryan’s lawyer drew attention to his health challenges, as he had once appeared in court in a wheelchair.
EFCC counsel, Ekene Iheanacho, informed the judge that he expected the medical officer to be in court to address the proceedings at the time.
The judge also ordered that Gambaryan be taken to Nizamiye Hospital for a 24-hour medical checkup, under full security, at any time of his choosing.
The case was adjourned to October 11, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
In a statement sent to newsmen on Monday, the family’s communication agency, Mondo-Advisory, noted that August 26, 2024, marks six months since Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and Binance employee, was detained by Nigerian authorities.
He was remanded based on an order of court.
The statement alleged that from July 26th to August 14th, 2024, Tigran’s lawyers were not allowed to enter the prison to visit him and prepare for his trial, a situation it states, violates the Nigerian constitution.
“In detention, he has been denied access to appropriate medical care and is now in so much pain from a herniated disc in his back that he can no longer walk. As he is bed-bound, he is forced to take blood thinners to avoid blood clots, and the prison doctor has stated that his muscles have atrophied. They were allowed a brief 5-minute visit on August 15th but have since been blocked from entering again.
“The U.S. Embassy also no longer has access to Tigran, as he is not allowed to use a wheelchair and cannot physically walk to the visitor area,” the statement partly reads.
The statement further revealed that an application was made to have the case heard during the recess (though Justice Nwite’s court is sitting as a vacation court), and it was approved, with the next hearing date now set for September 2, 2024.
Tigran’s wife, Yuki, seized the moment to urge the government to release her husband.
“It has been six months since I last hugged my husband and since our children last held their father’s hand.
“Tigran Gambaryan, my husband, a former U.S. federal agent, has now been detained in a Nigerian prison for half a year. His health is deteriorating to the point where he can no longer walk, and he is being inhumanely denied the use of a wheelchair.
“For six months, our living nightmare has been filled with pleas. Pleas to the U.S. government, pleas to the Nigerian government, pleas to the media, pleas to anyone who will listen. I am pleading for their mercy, their understanding, and their humanity. My husband is innocent and needs to be released before it is too late and the damage done to him is irreversible. Six months is too long; please help me bring my husband home,” she stated.
News
Anambra government suspends health worker for refusing to attend to pregnant women

The Anambra Government has suspended a health worker, Mrs Njideka Ezeihejiofor, for refusing to attend to a pregnant woman who delivered a stillborn baby outside the health facility on Tuesday.
The suspension of Ezeihejiofor was approved on Friday by the disciplinary panel chaired by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, after investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Appearing before the panel, Ezeihejiofor, who is the Officer-in-Charge at Ukpo primary healthcare centre, said she turned back the pregnant patient when she came in to the facility at 11a.m, due to fatigue.
“When the patient came in, she said she was about six-months pregnant and that she could no longer feel her baby kicking. I told her to go to a higher health facility to get the best care.
“Few minutes later, some persons ran to the health centre and said the pregnant woman just had a baby two poles away and I should come and attend to her. I refused because I was afraid,” she said.
Meanwhile, Obidike said the panel found that Ezeihejiofor, refused to examine the pregnant woman or provide a referral letter when she visited the centre.
“When she was called to assist and separate the placenta after the woman delivered the stillborn just two poles away from the facility, Ezeihejiofor reportedly declined,” he said.
The Commissioner condemned her actions, noting that a retained placenta could have caused the woman to bleed to death.
“A retained placenta can cause life-threatening bleeding and even death. That patient could have bled to death if not for the prompt intervention of another health worker within the area.
“The panel however, resolved that Ezeihejiofor be immediately demoted and suspended without pay while the other staff in the centre be queried,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Blessing Offor, the Officer-in-Charge of Uke Primary Healthcare Centre in Idemili North, was found to have been consistently absent from duty.
The panel suspended her salary indefinitely and she was directed to refund eight months of wages previously paid during her absence.
Obidike emphasised the state’s commitment to high-quality healthcare delivery, warning that such unprofessional behavior undermined Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s investment and health policies.
The commissioner urged health workers unwilling to fulfill their duties to resign quietly or face disciplinary measures.
He also urged residents to report incidents of negligence via designated contact numbers displayed at healthcare facilities.
Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr Chris Azor, Coordinator, Anambra Civil Society Network and others were members of the panel.
News
‘Disrespect to Nigerians’ — Tunji-Ojo tackles Canadian high commission for denying CDS visa

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, says the denial of visa to Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), by the Canadian high commission was disrespectful to all Nigerians.
Tunji-Ojo spoke on Friday when he appeared on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television.
He was reacting to comments by the CDS, who narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday, but were denied visas.
Musa had said the visa denial episode was another reminder that Nigeria needs to “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”.
During the interview, the minister said he finds it difficult to justify Canada’s actions, noting that diplomatic channels could have been used to address any concerns.
Tunji-Ojo also wondered what average Nigerians are being subjected to by the high commission if a high ranking government official like the CDS was handed a raw deal.
“Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us in terms of visa policy, it means that the issue of reciprocity as I always say, has to be given due consideration,” he said.
“Without knowing the full facts, I think even for us in terms of visa policy, it means that the issue of reciprocity as I always say, has to be given due consideration,” he said.
“As much as we are not ready to dabble into the sovereignty of other nations, the issue of visas, issue of migration management is a sovereign issue and right of every nation.
“As much as we don’t want to dabble into that, it is not a disrespect to the chief of defence staff, to me, without knowing the facts, it is disrespectful to the country, and it is disrespectful to us as a people.
“If that can happen to the chief of defence staff, then I am worried for an average Nigerian.”
The minister, however, expressed optimism that Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, will diplomatically resolve the issue and ensure mutual respect between both nations.
On Thursday, Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), expressed displeasure over the incident.
Ribadu also asked the North American country to “go to hell”.
The NSA commended the CDS for speaking about the incident, while also praising him for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against insecurity.
News
LAWMA warns against illegal recycling, scavenging in Lagos

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has warned property owners, agents and private occupiers in the state to desist from illegal recycling and scavenging in unlicensed facilities.
The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave the warning in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Gbadegesin also urged them to halt indiscriminate sorting, dumping, storing and trading of recyclable waste in their facilities and in public spaces around them.
He noted that such activities not only degrade the city’s aesthetic appeal, but would also disrupt the rights of property owners, contributing to serious environmental hazards.
According to him, part III, Section 85 & 86 of the law makes the deposition of recyclable waste in undesignated locations strictly prohibited.
He added that LAWMA would take the necessary steps to enforce compliance, including prosecuting violators and shutting down offending facilities.
“We cannot fold our hands and watch few people derail the ongoing efforts to make the environment cleaner and livable for all residents.
“I want to add that property owners who permit unauthorised recycling or scavenging activities on their premises risk revocation of property right and other legal consequences,” Gbadegesin said.
He urged residents and stakeholders to utilise only licensed recycling facilities and registered waste collectors to ensure proper waste management in Lagos.
He enjoined Lagos residents to report illegal activities through LAWMA’s official channels.
“We remain committed to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable Lagos, but we need the cooperation of all residents.
“We urge everyone to comply with waste management laws of the state and contribute to a healthier environment,” he said.
He advised property owners, businesses and the public to take the final warning seriously and avoid actions that could lead to serious legal repercussions.
In a related development, Gbadegesin said that a joint enforcement team have dislodged squatters and illegal recyclers at Ijora- Olopa under bridge.
He said the team comprised officials of LAWMA’s Monitoring and Compliance Department and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.
Gbadegesin said the enforcement exercise would continue in other areas of the state in line with the zero tolerance for waste policy.
He said there would be no hiding place for any individual or group of persons bent on causing environmental degradation and undermining efforts of the authority.
He appealed to Lagos residents to use the following contacts 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, and 617, to report illegal recycling activities or visit www.lawma.gov.ng.
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