Binance executive Gambaryan's family reports he can no longer walk

Family members of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive facing money laundering charges in Nigeria, have raised concerns about his deteriorating health.

Gambaryan, who has been in Nigerian detention for six months, is reportedly unable to walk due to severe pain caused by a herniated disc in his back.

The family alleges that Gambaryan has been denied access to "appropriate medical care" while in detention, worsening his condition.

A statement released by the family's communication agency, Mondo-Advisory, on Monday, August 26, 2024, marked the six-month anniversary of his detention, which was ordered by a Nigerian court.

The family claims that from July 26th to August 14th, 2024, Gambaryan’s lawyers were denied entry to the prison to visit him and prepare for his trial, a situation they argue violates the Nigerian constitution.

The statement reads: "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."

The family noted that they were allowed only a brief 5-minute visit on August 15th, but have since been blocked from seeing him again.

The statement also revealed that the U.S. Embassy has been unable to visit Gambaryan because he cannot physically walk to the visitor area and is not allowed to use a wheelchair.

An application to have Gambaryan's case heard during the court recess was approved, with the next hearing scheduled for September 2, 2024, in Justice Nwite's court, which is currently sitting as a vacation court.

Yuki, Gambaryan’s wife, issued an emotional plea, urging the Nigerian government to release her husband, who was formerly a U.S. federal agent, on compassionate grounds.

She expressed the agony of being separated from her husband for six months, stating: "It has been six months since I last hugged my husband and since our children last held their father's hand."

Yuki further appealed for mercy and humanity, highlighting the dire condition of her husband: "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."

The family continues to seek the intervention of both the U.S. and Nigerian governments, as well as the media and public, to secure Gambaryan's release before his health deteriorates further.