On October 11, 2024, a judge in Abuja, Nigeria, denied the bail request for Tigran Gambaryan, a detained U.S. citizen, despite his eligibility for release on medical grounds. Gambaryan has been in detention since February 26, 2024, a situation his family describes as unlawful. Over 230 days have passed since he last saw his wife, Yuki Gambaryan, and their young son. The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged him in connection with the operations of Binance, citing that their prosecution of him stems primarily from the virtual nature of Binance’s business. Yuki expressed deep disappointment at the judge’s decision, highlighting that her husband was not a decision-maker at Binance and should not be facing such consequences. She emphasized the injustice of denying a seriously ill individual access to necessary medical care, as she continues to advocate for his freedom.
Yuki Gambaryan recently shared her emotional turmoil in the podcast ‘Designated’ with Yaya Jata Fanusie, revealing the constant fear she feels regarding her husband’s health and future. She spoke about how their five-year-old son struggles to comprehend his father’s absence, poignantly recalling a moment when he mistook a passing plane for his father returning home. This podcast, which aired in early October, not only discussed Tigran’s unjust detention but also included insights from his friends and former colleagues. Concurrently, a truck adorned with awareness messages about his situation has been circulating in Washington, D.C., aiming to draw attention to his plight.
Desperate for support, Yuki has made heartfelt pleas to the U.S. government to recognize Tigran’s wrongful imprisonment and take action against the Nigerian authorities for his release. Overall, her message is one of urgency and desperation, as she implores U.S. officials to intervene in a situation she believes violates fundamental human rights. Tigran’s mother, Knarik Gambaryan, has echoed these sentiments, mournfully stating that her son is being treated inhumanely and asking for assistance in bringing him home. She emphasizes Tigran’s innocence, reflecting the broader anguish his family endures during this troubling time.
Gambaryan’s detention began after he was invited to Nigeria for a meeting with assurances of safety. However, upon his arrival, his passport was confiscated, and he was forcibly relocated to a “guest house,” where he remained for nearly a month before charges were filed against him and Binance. Following this, he was transferred to the notorious Kuje prison, where he alleges he has been frequently denied legal counsel. Tragically, Tigran’s health has suffered significantly during this period, as he now relies on a wheelchair to move, a privilege he is often denied. His time in prison has led to severe medical issues, including recurrent pneumonia and malaria, placing immense strain on both his physical and mental health.
Yuki Gambaryan has painted a grim picture of her husband’s deteriorating condition, which includes a recent respiratory infection, debilitating pain from a herniated disc, and the urgent need for additional medical procedures like a tonsillectomy. She fears that the conditions at the prison are inadequate to meet his medical needs, further exacerbating his suffering. The distress caused by this situation is not just limited to Tigran; his family is also deeply affected by his prolonged absence from key life events, such as missing his son’s fifth birthday, the first day of school, and even his own 40th birthday, all while confined to a prison cell in Nigeria.
Despite the legal and personal battles facing the family, they continue to rally for justice and support from the international community and the U.S. government. As Tigran’s case highlights larger issues of wrongful detention and human rights, Yuki remains steadfast in her fight, vowing to advocate for her husband’s release until justice is served. As the Gambaryan family continues to endure this heart-wrenching ordeal, they seek acknowledgment of Tigran’s unjust situation, praying for his safe return and hoping that no further damage is inflicted upon him during his continued detainment. The emotional and physical toll this experience has wrought on Tigran and his family encapsulates the broader challenges faced by individuals caught in complex legal disputes and the urgent calls for humanitarian intervention in such cases.
