Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan has accused the Nigerian Federal Government of attempting to use him as leverage during his arrest and detention in Nigeria in 2024. He claims that the government had no evidence against him or Binance but tried to manipulate him into providing information about customers to pursue opposition figures and to admit that Binance was responsible for the devaluation of the Naira.
Gambaryan’s accusations were made in response to a statement from Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who accused him of making outrageous allegations and defamation.
Gambaryan who was released on humanitarian grounds in October 2024 after being held in detention for eight months also accused three lawmakers; Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency; Pete Akpanke, representing Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency; and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe along with NSA Nuhu Ribadu and the Department of State Services, of demanding a $150 million bribe from Binance in cryptocurrency, a claim which Ginger Onwusibe, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency has strongly denied.
Gambaryan expressed his determination to clear his name, claiming that the Nigerian government was absent in a human rights suit filed in Abuja. He stated, “Maybe you should take the time to get your facts straight before posting. I was invited by the Nigerian FIU to a meeting in January. Last time I checked, they are part of the Nigerian government. House members also invited us to the meeting. Last time I checked, the legislative branch is also part of the Nigerian government.
“You said the second part was part of a probe? Lol. So when you invited us to a friendly meeting, you even lied about that?
“A tactic deployed by Gambaryan and his team? What are you talking about? I was in a safe house for a month, watching TV, while you were trying to use me as leverage. You then panicked and knowingly charged me with blatantly false accusations.
“So I was released on humanitarian grounds? At least you’re finally admitting the need to release me. Last time you posted, you claimed my health was fine and that there was nothing wrong with me.
“You investigated? Yet you didn’t take a statement from me, a person with direct knowledge. What a joke.
“You dragged my name through the mud for the past year with zero evidence against me, nearly killed me, and caused trauma to my family. And now you have the nerve to talk about defamation?
“I’ll put my credibility on the line anytime. In court? You mean like last time, when your attorneys didn’t even show up to the human rights suit in Abuja?
“Get your facts straight. I am done with this foolishness. I said my part. I’ll be off Twitter now since it’s pointless to argue with evil.”
In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria released a statement on Friday, which dismissed Gambaryan’s allegations as “outrageous,” “misinformation,” and “defamatory.” The statement, signed by Minister Mohammed Idris, detailed the charges against Gambaryan and denied any allegations of bribery, urging Nigerians to disregard what it called falsehoods.
The statement read, “While the Federal Government of Nigeria is hesitant to engage Mr. Gambaryan, given the high-level diplomatic intervention that resolved his case, we must set the record straight to prevent his falsehoods from gaining traction.
“The first visit by Mr. Gambaryan and his colleagues to Nigeria was discretionary on their part, and the government was not officially involved. However, when the government was made aware of an alleged bribery demand during that trip, an investigation was immediately opened, although no formal complaint had been filed.
“Mr. Gambaryan’s second visit to Nigeria was part of a broader investigation into the criminal manipulation of the Nigerian currency through peer-to-peer platforms like Binance, but investigators faced frustration due to the tactics employed by Gambaryan and his team.
“Mr. Gambaryan was released by the Nigerian government in October 2024 on humanitarian grounds, following a high-level diplomatic intervention that resulted in tangible benefits for Nigeria. The government rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment for Mr. Gambaryan’s freedom, opting instead for a more beneficial settlement with the American government.
“We categorically deny the retaliatory claims made by Mr. Gambaryan against Nigerian officials involved in his case, and we urge the public to disregard these accusations entirely.
“It is essential to note that Mr Gambaryan’s allegations are not only unsubstantiated but also lack credibility, given his apparent motive to discredit and intimidate those who ensured he faced justice.”
