Federal Government, on Friday, dismissed claims by United States lawmakers that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan’s health is deteriorating in prison and lacks access to quality medical care.
Gambaryan is currently detained in Nigeria on charges of tax evasion and other financial crimes.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement on Friday, described the US lawmakers’ claims as false and baseless.
Idris stressed that Gambaryan’s detention was lawful under court orders.
He noted that Gambaryan receives necessary medical attention and benefits from consular services provided by his home government.
The statement read, “It has become necessary for the Federal Government of Nigeria to address claims that Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan is being held in unsavoury prison conditions in Nigeria, or that his health is deteriorating.
“We would like to state that these allegations are false and should be ignored. Gambaryan is being held in lawful detention and has access to quality medical care whenever required.
“He also has full access to consular services from his home government.”
The Minister emphasised government’s commitment to due process, stating that any modifications to Gambaryan’s detention status must be adjudicated through legal channels.
He added, “The Federal Government will not do anything to jeopardise his fundamental rights to lawful trial, and to quality care, including healthcare, even as he undergoes trial by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is worth reiterating that his detention is a court-ordered one, and only the court can alter the terms or direct his release.”
Idris noted that FG’s actions against Binance aligned with international norms and sovereign responsibilities exercised by other nations.
This was contrary to allegations of poor detention conditions and deteriorating health for Gambaryan.
US lawmakers French Hill, and Chrissy Houlahan, had earlier called for the humanitarian release of Gambaryan.
The lawmakers’ appeal followed a Wednesday’s visit to Gambaryan at Kuje prison, where they were alarmed by his deteriorating health and the conditions of his detention.
They claimed that Gambaryan was suffering from malaria and double pneumonia and was being denied adequate medical attention.
The legislators emphasised the urgency of their request, describing the prison conditions as “horrible.”
