Lawyers representing Tigran Gambaryan, an American Binance executive on trial in Nigeria, warn he may die from malaria in Kuje Prison without urgent medical intervention. They seek his transfer to a hospital, raising concerns over prison conditions and potential diplomatic tensions.
In a concerning development, the law firm representing Tigran Gambaryan, an American citizen and Binance executive standing trial in Nigeria, has raised the alarm over his deteriorating health condition and the potential risk of him succumbing to malaria within the confines of Kuje Prison.
Aluko & Oyebode, the legal chamber handling Gambaryan's case, has written to the Federal High Court, urging immediate action to provide the defendant with comprehensive medical treatment at a reputable hospital. In a letter dated May 23, signed by partner C.J. Caleb, the firm stated that Gambaryan, the head of financial crimes compliance at Binance, had collapsed in prison and was administered intravenous treatment for malaria by medical personnel.
"The applicant broke down yesterday, and the medical facility gave him intravenous (IV) treatment for malaria," the letter stated, referring to Gambaryan's condition on Wednesday.
The lawyers expressed grave concern over Gambaryan's continuous remand in Kuje Correctional Facility, citing the United States Consular Officer's emphasis on the need for comprehensive treatment due to the life-threatening nature of malaria for American citizens without natural immunity.
"The consul officer at the United States Consul Office in Abuja emphasized the need for the applicant to receive comprehensive treatment because malaria is a severe disease for American citizens, which can result in death because they do not have the immunity that ordinary Nigerians have against the disease," the letter stressed.
In addition to the malaria diagnosis, the legal team highlighted that Gambaryan is also suffering from a throat infection, further exacerbating his health condition. They argued that the Kuje Medium Correctional Facility, currently undergoing renovation, is ill-suited for providing adequate medical care.
"Given the above, we humbly apply that the applicant be transferred to Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja, to receive comprehensive diagnoses and treatment for the preservation of his life," the letter pleaded.
Gambaryan's deteriorating health has raised concerns not only about the conditions within Nigerian prisons but also about the potential implications for diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States. As an American citizen on trial in a high-profile case involving the cryptocurrency giant Binance, Gambaryan's well-being has become a matter of international scrutiny.
