Thursday’s trial of detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, at the Federal High Court in Abuja took an unexpected turn when the defendant collapsed in the courtroom.
The proceedings had just commenced when the court registrar called upon the matter for the continuation of the trial. Gambaryan, however, did not rise to approach the dock, remaining seated at the back of the courtroom.
Curious about his absence, the presiding judge, Justice Nwite, inquired about the whereabouts of the second defendant. In response, a member of the defense team who was seated next to Gambaryan assisted him towards the dock, holding his hand. As they made their way slowly forward, Gambaryan suddenly collapsed, prompting his lawyer to help him into a front-row seat.
Mark Mordi (SAN), Gambaryan’s counsel, informed the court that his client had been unwell and that a written application had been submitted to notify the court of his condition. Throughout the proceeding, Gambaryan leaned on the armrest of his chair, visibly indisposed.
Gambaryan’s health issues also affected his arraignment in a separate tax evasion case filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service against him, his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla (currently a fugitive), and their crypto-exchange firm, Binance Holdings Limited. His absence led to a delay in the arraignment process.
Previously, Justice Nwite had denied Gambaryan’s bail application, agreeing with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he posed a flight risk similar to Anjarwalla.
Gambaryan, Anjarwalla, and Binance Holdings Limited are facing serious charges of money laundering and terrorism financing, brought by the EFCC. This latest development adds a dramatic twist to the ongoing legal proceedings.