Binance CEO Richard Teng has criticized the continued detention of the company’s executive, Tigran Gambaryan, in Nigeria. He has called on the Nigerian government to release Gambyan and allow him to return to his family.
Teng’s remarks follow Gambaryan’s recent court appearance, where his worsening medical condition became evident. Gambaryan has been detained for over six months on allegations of money laundering.
Binance slams Nigeria’s handling of Gambaryan
Teng was reacting to a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Gambaryan relying on a crutch to walk. In the video, an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service encourages Gambaryan to walk on his own and even tells the Binance executive not to hold onto him for support.
In response, Gambaryan repeatedly said that he could not walk and described the whole situation as “fucked up.” He also asked why they could not get him a wheelchair to sit in.
Teng quoted the video saying:
“This inhumane treatment of Tigran must end. He must be allowed to go home for medical treatment and to be with his family.”
Others have also shared similar reactions. Crypto lawyer Irina Heaver commented that Gambaryan clearly needs medical help. However, many in the crypto community believe Teng is not doing enough. They criticized the CEO for always talking and not backing it up with tangible actions.
Meanwhile, Teng has previously urged the United States government to assist in securing Gambaryan’s release. Responding to the video, a Binance spokesperson described it as proof of Gambaryan’s condition in Nigeria and emphasized that the government can settle any issue with the exchange without detaining him.
The Binance spokesperson said:
“We are extremely distressed by the video of Tigran in court yesterday. This video is just a snapshot of Tigran’s current reality. His health is rapidly declining, and we are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences of this unjust detention. Nigeria does not need to keep Tigran in order for us to settle any alleged past issues.”
The spokesperson urged the Nigerian government to let Gambaryan return home, adding that Binance remains open to dialogue. They highlighted how the exchange had used constructive discussions, and compliance have been used to resolve similar issues in India and Brazil.
Gambaryan’s bail application hearing set for September 4
Meanwhile, the detained Binance executive has applied for bail on health grounds. He claims to have a herniated disc, with his condition worsening in prison due to lack of proper medical care.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Ekene Ihenacho, wants the court to reject the bail. He argued that Gambaryan has had this medical condition for over a decade and is only exaggerating his health conditions to get bail.
In response, Gambaryan said he has been managing the condition for 12 years, but the lack of adequate care in the prison has caused permanent nerve damage. He said:
“It was treated, but when the condition goes untreated at a prison or a medical facility, this is what happens. I’ve been complaining about this forever, and nothing was done.”
There is no way to confirm Gambaryan’s medical condition because the Nigerian authorities have failed to submit his medical reports in court. However, the presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, ordered that authorities take Gambaryan to an external hospital for a comprehensive medical checkup and must also provide him with a wheelchair. The court has scheduled September 4 to hear the bail application.
