Nigerian lawmaker Philip Agbese has sued Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan for N1.5 billion over bribery allegations. Gambaryan accused Agbese and two others of soliciting a $150 million crypto bribe. Agbese denies the claims, demanding proof or retraction. The lawsuit aims to protect his reputation and deter false accusations.
Philip Agbese, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has taken legal action against Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, accusing him of defamation. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, seeks N1.5 billion in damages over bribery allegations made by Gambaryan.
Gambaryan had alleged on social media that Agbese, alongside two other lawmakers, demanded a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency. In response, Agbese strongly denied the claim, stating that he has never been involved in cryptocurrency transactions and does not even own a crypto wallet. He challenged Gambaryan to provide evidence supporting his claims or issue a public apology within seven days.
However, rather than waiting out the deadline, Agbese proceeded with legal action just three days after issuing his demand. The lawmaker insisted that the allegations were baseless and damaging to his reputation. He is also seeking a court order preventing Gambaryan and his associates from making further defamatory statements.
In a statement, Agbese emphasized that his decision to sue was not just about financial compensation but about setting a precedent against false accusations. He argued that allowing such claims to go unchallenged could harm his credibility as a public servant and mislead the public.
The case is expected to draw significant attention, given its implications for Binance’s ongoing legal troubles in Nigeria and the broader debate around cryptocurrency regulation and transparency in the country.
