Tigran Gambaryan has accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of demanding billions to fund his political ambition. He also alleged bribery attempts by lawmakers and diplomatic fallout with the U.S. over his detention. The explosive claims raise serious concerns about corruption and governance in Nigeria.
In a shocking revelation, Tigran Gambaryan, a former Binance executive, has accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of attempting to extort billions to fund his political ambitions. Gambaryan, who was detained in Nigeria for eight months on money laundering charges, took to social media to expose what he described as systemic corruption at the highest levels of government.
Gambaryan alleged that Ribadu sought massive payouts to bankroll his political future but was thwarted when a corruption scandal surfaced. "Ribadu emphasized that he wanted billions in payouts to fund his future political ambition. However, when the corruption scandal came to light, he was trapped—because any settlement would now be perceived as a bribe," Gambaryan posted on X.
According to Gambaryan, the saga began in February 2024 when he was arrested as part of Nigeria’s crackdown on Binance, accused of facilitating financial transactions that allegedly manipulated the naira. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later arraigned him on money laundering charges, which were eventually dropped. However, his detainment continued, leading to what he claims was a politically motivated shakedown.
The former Binance compliance head further revealed that Ribadu overstepped his authority, leading to tensions between Nigeria and the United States. He claimed that Ribadu's handling of the case angered U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, causing diplomatic consequences for Nigeria. "The U.S. limited visas to the Nigerian delegation for UNGA, and Biden refused to meet with Tinubu until my situation was resolved," Gambaryan wrote. In an attempt to secure his release, Gambaryan said Ribadu even hired a U.S. law firm to negotiate, but the effort failed due to alleged greed and incompetence.
Gambaryan's revelations extended beyond Ribadu, implicating members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. He alleged that lawmakers Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency during what he described as a staged hearing. "They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in," he claimed, calling the entire process a "Mickey Mouse operation."
Beyond the bribery claims, Gambaryan recounted severe mistreatment during his detention. He accused Nigerian officials of attempting to deny him medical care, alleging that Ribadu’s office pressured Nizamiya Hospital to refuse his admission despite his deteriorating health. "They even threatened administrators at Nizamiya Hospital, instructing them not to admit me when I was extremely ill," he stated, adding that the Turkish Ministry of Health later confirmed this interference.
Gambaryan's allegations, if substantiated, could have severe implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and international reputation. The Nigerian government has yet to officially respond to his claims, but the accusations have reignited concerns over governance, transparency, and the independence of law enforcement agencies.
While Gambaryan said he does not wish to dwell on the matter, his post concluded with a warning to Nigerians about the state of their leadership. "I met amazing people in Nigeria. It’s a shame that these muppets are in charge."
As of now, neither Nuhu Ribadu nor the Nigerian government has issued a statement addressing Gambaryan’s allegations. However, the claims have sparked widespread discussion, with analysts suggesting that international pressure may force the government to respond. This is a developing story, and The Washington Post will provide updates as new information emerges.
