Kehinde Fajobi
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan to October 25 for an update on his health condition.
Gambaryan, facing $35.4 million money laundering charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was absent from Friday’s proceedings.
Neither the defence nor prosecution was aware of Gambaryan’s absence when the trial resumed. Justice Nwite briefly stood down the court to investigate the matter.
Upon resuming, the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, informed the court that Gambaryan was receiving treatment at a hospital.
A representative from the correctional facility confirmed Gambaryan’s illness, stating, “My Lord, the 2nd defendant is very sick, and we will not be able to produce him in court today.”
Mark Mordi (SAN), Gambaryan’s lawyer, requested an adjournment to update the court on his client’s health.
“I humbly beseech my Lord for a date next week, if only to report on the 2nd defendant’s state of health,” Mordi said.
Iheanacho did not oppose the request, adding, “We are very passionate about health issues, and while we want the case to progress, we do not oppose the adjournment.”
Justice Nwite adjourned the case to October 25 for further updates on Gambaryan’s condition.
Last week, Mordi had sought a six-week bail for Gambaryan to receive medical attention outside the correctional facility, citing inadequate care. He noted that Gambaryan required surgery for a herniated disc and psychiatric care. The request was opposed by Iheanacho, who argued that the severity of the defendant’s condition was being exaggerated.
Justice Nwite denied the bail application, ruling that Nigerian medical experts were managing Gambaryan’s health but ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to refer him to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment under supervision.