The family of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive detained in Nigeria for six months on money laundering charges, has raised concerns about his deteriorating health condition.
According to a statement by the family, Gambaryan is now unable to walk because of severe back pain caused by a herniated disc.
Mrs Gambaryan in a video begged for his release before the damage done to him is irreversible.
She said, “It has been 6 months since I last hugged my husband and since our children last held their father’s hand.
“Tigran Gambaryan, my husband, a former US federal agent, has now been detained in a Nigerian prison for half a year. His health is deteriorating to the point where he can no longer walk and he is being inhumanely denied the use of a wheelchair.
“Between bouts of malaria, pneumonia, and the incredible mental toll of his detention, Tigran, who is usually so strong, is reaching a breaking point. He needs immediate medical treatment and risks permanent damage.
“For 6 months, our living nightmare has been filled with pleas. Pleas to the U.S. government, pleas to the Nigerian government, pleas to the media, pleas to anyone who will listen.
“I am pleading for their mercy, for their understanding, for their humanity. My husband is innocent and needs to be released before it is too late and the damage done to him is irreversible. 6 months is too long, please help me bring my husband home.”
Gambaryan, a former US Federal agent and Binance employee, has been in detention since February 26, following his arrest by security operatives over alleged illegal financial operations in Nigeria.
Also, the family claimed that Mr Gambaryan, while in detention, has been denied access to proper medical care and he 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 having to take blood thinners to avoid blood clots and the prison doctor has said that his muscles have atrophied.
“From July 26th to August 14th Tigran’s lawyers were not allowed to enter the prison to visit him and prepare for his trial.
“They were allowed a brief 5 minute visit on August 15th but have since been blocked from entering again. His legal team are therefore unable to prepare him for trial which goes against the Nigerian constitution.
“The US Embassy also no longer has access to Tigran as he is not allowed to use a wheelchair and he cannot physically walk to the visitor area.
“The court went into recess on July 16th. An application was made to have the case heard during the recess and was approved so the next hearing date is now set for September 2nd.
“Tigran has missed countless milestones whilst in detention including his son’s 5th birthday and first day of school; his own 40th birthday which he spent locked up in a Nigerian prison cell.
“He is also about to miss his wife’s birthday on August 31st as well as their 15th wedding anniversary,” the statement said.
