Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday rejected the fresh bail application filed on behalf of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained executive of Binance Holdings, who is facing charges of money laundering amounting to $35.4 million.
Gambaryan’s lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), argued that his client’s health was deteriorating, citing a herniated disc that required surgery and mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Mordi requested a six-week bail to allow Gambaryan to seek medical attention outside of prison, claiming the care available in custody was inadequate.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Ekele Iheanacho, opposed the bail request, dismissing the severity of Gambaryan’s health concerns.
Iheanacho argued that the defendant had access to medical treatment from top facilities, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital, and that Gambaryan had refused treatment.
He insisted that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) was managing his health and that no serious illness was evident.
Justice Nwite ruled against the bail application, emphasising that Nigerian medical experts were adequately handling Gambaryan’s condition.
However, the court ordered the NCS to refer him to a standard hospital in Abuja for treatment under security supervision, with the duration ranging from three days to two weeks.
The case was adjourned to October 18, 2024, with further trial dates set for November 22 and 25, 2024.
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