The trial of Tigran Gambaryan, a detained Binance executive, took an unexpected turn on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja when he suddenly collapsed.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred shortly after the matter was called for trial continuation before Justice Emeka Nwite.
Gambaryan, who was seated at the back of the courtroom, failed to step forward to the dock when his name was called.
His lawyer, Mark Mordi (SAN), quickly drew the court’s attention to his client’s condition, stating, “My lord, the second defendant (Gambaryan) has been indisposed, and a written application letter had been filed to notify the court of this.”
As Gambaryan was assisted to the dock, he slumped and was helped to sit in the front-row seat. His lawyer informed the court that the trial may not proceed as scheduled, citing his client’s health issues.
Gambaryan is facing money laundering and terrorism financing charges, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla (currently on the run), and their crypto-exchange firm, Binance Holdings Limited. He is currently being remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
The trial has been fraught with challenges, including Gambaryan’s absence during his arraignment, which stalled the proceedings.
Justice Nwite had previously dismissed Gambaryan’s bail application, citing flight risk concerns.
