The law firm stated this in a letter addressed to the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court and signed by a partner, C.J. Caleb.

Pix: Gambaryan+Binance logo and Ribadu

Aluko & Oyebode, the law firm handling the case of Binance, says Mr Tigran Gambaryan, the cryptocurrency firm’s executive, standing trial alongside the company in Nigeria, may die in Kuje Correctional Centre.

The law firm stated this in a letter addressed to the deputy chief registrar of the Federal High Court and signed by a partner, C.J. Caleb.

The letter, dated and filed on May 23 and seen on Sunday, was titled ‘Re: Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/128/2024—Application for the Provision of Medical Treatment to Mr. Tigran Gambrayan at Nizamiye Hospital’.

“We continue to act as counsel to Mr Tigran Gambaryan, the second defendant in the captioned suit pending before the Honourable Justice E. Nwite sitting at Court 9 of the Federal High Court, Abuja,” said the letter.

The legal firm representative said Mr Gambaryan, the head of financial crimes compliance of the cryptocurrency platform, broke down on Wednesday in prison and was administered “intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria” by medical personnel.

“Please be informed that the 2nd defendant, who is an American citizen and remanded at the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility, is very ill and requires comprehensive medical attention at the best available hospital within the jurisdiction of this honourable court.

“The applicant broke down yesterday, and the medical facility gave him intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria,” the letter said.

The legal chamber, therefore, raised the alarm over Mr Gambaryan’s continuous remand in the correctional facility, expressing fear for his life amidst his alleged deteriorating health.

“The consul officer at the United States Consul Office in Abuja emphasised the need for the applicant to receive comprehensive treatment because malaria is a severe disease for American citizens which can result in death because they do not have the immunity that ordinary Nigerians have against the disease,” it stressed.

The law firm, who said the defendant equally suffered from a throat infection, added that “the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility is currently undergoing renovation works.”

“It is, therefore, not best suited for the medical treatment of the applicant,” it stated. “Given the above, we humbly apply that the applicant be transferred to Nizayime Hospital, Abuja, to receive comprehensive diagnoses and treatment for the preservation of his life. We kindly request that this application be drawn to the attention of the court. We look forward to a favourable consideration.”

On Thursday, Mr Gambaryan collapsed in court over alleged ill-health. 

(NAN)