Kelvin Daminabo
Recently, Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance official held captive in Nigeria since February, made an emotional appearance in an Abuja courtroom, visibly distressed and in pain. Gambaryan, who has been deprived of medical care and wheelchair assistance, struggled into the courtroom, dragging one leg behind him.
A video from the court session captured Gambaryan pleading with a prison guard for help, expressing his distress by stating, “I’m not okay, this is messed up.” When he reached out to the guard for support, his plea was dismissed. Gambaryan then turned to bystanders, questioning, “Why are you treating me like this? I’m an innocent person.”
Efforts were made by Gambaryan’s legal team to secure bail on medical grounds due to his worsening health issues, which encompass malaria, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and a herniated disc in his spine. However, the prosecution opposed the plea, disputing Gambaryan’s health condition and rejecting medical intervention.
With Gambaryan being deprived of proper medical attention, legal representation, and access to U.S. embassy aid, concerns have escalated. Despite partial disclosure of his medical records indicating an urgent need for surgery in court, crucial details such as an MRI scan were conspicuously absent.
Expressing her dismay, Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, denounced the situation as unjust and demanded greater intervention from the U.S. Government to aid Tigran. She emphasized the inhumane treatment he has endured and called for accountability in the face of legal and human rights violations.
The distressing video footage and Gambaryan’s cry for help have raised serious apprehensions about his welfare and the fairness of his detention. As events continue to unfold, the pressing question remains whether Gambaryan will be accorded the necessary medical attention and justice that he is entitled to.