Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holding Limited has averred that Nigerian officials demanded bribe from him.
Gatekeepers News reports that Gambaryan who was detained in Nigeria from February to October 2024 stood by his earlier allegation against federal government.
Gambaryan recently took to X, recounting his encounters with the Nigerian government and certain lawmakers.
He alleged that three lawmakers, including Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, solicited a $150 million bribe in cryptocurrency, demanding the funds be transferred into their wallets.
The Binance executive also accused Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser, of seeking “billions in payouts from Binance for political ambitions.”
Responding to his allegations, Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s minister of information and national orientation, said it was “outrageous” and “defamatory”.
According to Idris; Nigerian government had rejected a $5 million offer from Binance intended to secure Gambaryan’s release, opting instead for a more favourable settlement with the US government.
Reacting in another statement on his X handle, Gambaryan accused federal government of using him as leverage to negotiate a beneficial settlement with US government.
He said, “I was invited by the Nigerian FlU to a meeting in January. Last time I checked, they are part of the Nigerian government. House members also invited us to the meeting. Last time I checked, the legislative branch is also part of the Nigerian government.”
“You said the second part was part of a probe? Lol. So when you invited us to a friendly meeting, you even lied about that?”
“I was in a safe house for a month, watching TV, while you were trying to use me as leverage. You then panicked and knowingly charged me with blatantly false accusations.”
“So l was released on humanitarian grounds? At least you’re finally admitting the need to release me. Last time you posted, you claimed my health was fine and that there was nothing wrong with me.”
“You investigated? Yet you didn’t take a statement from me? A person with direct knowledge. What a joke.”
“You dragged my name through the mud for the past year with zero evidence against me, nearly killed me, and caused trauma to my family. And now you have the nerve to talk about defamation?”
“I’ll put my credibility on the line anytime. In court? You mean like last time, when your attorneys didn’t even show up to the human rights suit in Abuja?”
“Get your facts straight. I am done with this foolishness. I said my part. I’ll be off Twitter now since it’s pointless to argue with evil.”
