Court Denies Binance Executive’s Renewed Bail Request, Cites Abuse of Process
An Abuja Federal High Court has rejected a fresh bail application by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance Holdings Limited, currently held in custody. The court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, dismissed the request on Friday, ruling that it constituted an abuse of court process.
Gambaryan had previously sought bail, and that request is still under appeal. Justice Nwite emphasized that filing a new bail application while the initial appeal remains unresolved was inappropriate. “The application cannot be granted while the appeal on the initial bail ruling is still pending,” the judge stated, adding that this action violated judicial procedures.
The court also addressed concerns regarding Gambaryan’s health, which had been cited as grounds for the new bail plea. Justice Nwite ruled that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) was incapable of providing adequate medical care. “The facts before the court indicate that the Nigerian Correctional Service is capable of addressing the health needs of the defendant,” he said.
However, the judge did order that Gambaryan be taken to a standard hospital in Abuja for a short period of medical observation, ensuring his well-being while in custody. The trial was adjourned to October 18, with further hearings scheduled for November 22 and 25.
The decision follows a heated argument earlier in September, during which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the bail application, arguing that Gambaryan had refused medical treatment from the State House Clinic. EFCC counsel Ekele Iheanacho maintained that the NCoS had provided the defendant with adequate medical attention and that his claims of ill health were exaggerated.
The court’s rejection of the latest bail plea underscores its stance on handling legal processes, particularly when appeals are still active.