Nigerian Government reacts to Binance Executive’s bribery allegations against federal lawmakers
The Federal Government on Friday dismissed claims made by Binance’s Head of Financial Crime, Tigran Gambaryan, who spent eight months in detention in Nigeria over alleged corruption.
Gambaryan, a US citizen, was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes. He was released by the Nigerian authorities following intervention from the United States government.
In a post on X, he alleged that his unlawful arrest by the Nigerian government led former US President Joe Biden to cancel a planned meeting with President Bola Tinubu during the 2024 UN General Assembly (UNGA).
He accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of causing the situation and claimed the US government reduced Nigeria’s delegation size at the assembly. The Binance executive also alleged that three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from him.
Government Denies Allegations
However, the Federal Government urged the public to disregard these claims entirely.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described Gambaryan’s allegations as a deliberate misinformation campaign.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes with concern the outrageous allegations, misinformation, and defamatory statements being spread by Tigran Gambaryan, an American personnel of Binance who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes,” the statement read.
Idris added that the government had rejected Binance’s offer of a $5 million down payment for Gambaryan’s release, opting instead for a more beneficial settlement with the US government.
Bribery Claims Investigated
Addressing Gambaryan’s bribery allegations, Idris emphasised that his visit to Nigeria was discretionary and not officially sanctioned by any government body.
“When the government was made aware of the alleged bribery demand, an investigation was promptly opened, despite no formal complaint being lodged,” he stated.
Legal Proceedings & Escape Incident
The Federal Government detained Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, a 37-year-old British-Kenyan who serves as Binance’s regional manager for Africa.
Both were charged with money laundering involving $35 million, as prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Anjarwalla escaped custody on 22 March 2024.