Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently denied a new bail application for Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings, who has been detained over allegations of money laundering amounting to $35.4 million. The motion for bail was grounded in claims regarding Gambaryan’s deteriorating health, which his attorney, Mark Mordi (SAN), described as “perilous.” Mordi highlighted that his client is suffering from a herniated disc and requires urgent psychiatric care for depression and anxiety, thus requesting a six-week bail to enable Gambaryan to receive proper medical treatment outside the confines of prison.
In response, Ekele Iheanacho, the lawyer representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), countered the defense’s assertions. He argued that the severity of Gambaryan’s condition had been exaggerated and that he could adequately receive further medical attention while still in custody at the Kuje Correctional Facility. Iheanacho noted that Gambaryan had previously been treated at prestigious medical institutions, including the State House Clinic and Nizamiye Hospital. Furthermore, he claimed that medical reports indicated Gambaryan had refused certain treatments and that his health had not worsened while incarcerated.
Justice Nwite examined the motions presented by both sides before rendering his decision. The judge acknowledged the contentions from the EFCC’s lawyer about Gambaryan’s health management while in custody. In his ruling, Nwite declared that reputable Nigerian medical professionals were already addressing Gambaryan’s health issues, and thus, a bail request based solely on medical grounds was unwarranted. He highlighted that there was no substantial evidence showing that Gambaryan’s health could not be maintained by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Despite rejecting the bail application, Justice Nwite ordered the Nigerian Correctional Service to facilitate Gambaryan’s referral to a recognized hospital in Abuja for medical treatment. This arrangement would allow for monitoring under security supervision, with an expected duration of three days to two weeks. This judicial decision aims to ensure that Gambaryan receives appropriate medical care while still addressing the legal implications of his ongoing detention.
The proceedings regarding Gambaryan’s bail application shine a light on ongoing debates surrounding the treatment of individuals in custody, particularly those facing serious health issues. With prominent concerns raised regarding healthcare access within correctional facilities, particularly in Nigeria, the adjustment made by Justice Nwite reflects an effort to balance the rights of detainees with the necessities of legal processes. The insistence on Gambaryan receiving treatment in a standard hospital also underscores the need for adequate medical provisions for individuals facing serious medical conditions in prison settings.
The trial against Gambaryan is set to continue with a schedule that includes adjournment dates in October and November 2024. These forthcoming hearings will provide an opportunity for further exploration of the serious charges leveled against him by the EFCC and the circumstances surrounding his detention. The legal proceedings will not only determine Gambaryan’s fate but could also have broader implications regarding the treatment of detainees with medical ailments within the Nigerian judicial system.
